The vice-president of Zimbabwe is the second-highest political office in Zimbabwe. The Constitution provides for two vice-presidents, designated as the first vice-president and the second vice-president. The designations reflect their position in the presidential order of succession. The vice-presidents are appointed by the president of Zimbabwe and serve at the president's pleasure.
Under the ruling ZANU–PF party, the office of first vice-president has traditionally been reserved for a senior member of the party's historical ZANU wing (primarily associated with the Shona majority), while the second vice-president has been reserved for a senior member of the historical ZAPU wing (primarily associated with the Ndebele). This informal arrangement has been a key feature of post-independence power-sharing within the ruling party.
History Lancaster House Constitution (1980–2013) The 1980 Lancaster House Constitution initially established a parliamentary system with a ceremonial president and an executive prime minister. Following the 1987 constitutional amendments that created an executive presidency, the office of vice-president was introduced. Joshua Nkomo, leader of the former ZAPU, was appointed as one of the first vice-presidents in 1987 as part of the unity accord between ZANU and ZAPU.
Between 1987 and 1990, the Constitution provided for only one vice-president. In 1990, it was amended to allow for two vice-presidents, formalising the practice of having one from each of the former liberation movements within ZANU–PF.
2013 Constitution and subsequent amendments The 2013 Constitution initially retained a running-mate system, under which vice-presidents were elected on the same ticket as the president. The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 2) Act, 2021, removed this system. Under the current framework, the president is elected directly and subsequently appoints up to two vice-presidents. The vice-presidents are no longer directly elected by the people.
Constitutional role and powers The vice-presidents have limited independent constitutional powers. Their primary roles include:
Acting as president in the event of the president's death, resignation, removal from office, or incapacity (in order of designation). Assisting the president in the execution of executive functions as may be delegated by the president. Presiding over meetings of the Cabinet in the absence of the president. Representing the president at official functions, both domestically and internationally.
The vice-presidents are members of the Cabinet and the National Security Council. They do not possess independent powers to dismiss ministers or make major unilateral policy decisions.
Selection and tenure Since the 2021 constitutional amendment, vice-presidents are appointed by the president rather than elected. There is no requirement for parliamentary approval of these appointments. The president may appoint and remove vice-presidents at will. The Constitution does not impose specific qualifications for the office beyond those required for the president (Zimbabwean citizenship by birth or descent, minimum age of forty, and registration as a voter).
Comparison with other systems Unlike the vice president of the United States, who is elected on the same ticket as the president and serves as president of the Senate, Zimbabwean vice-presidents have no legislative role in Parliament and are not elected by popular vote. Their position is closer to that of appointed deputies in many other African presidential systems, where the office primarily ensures executive continuity and manages internal party balances.
List of officeholders Political parties
Symbols Died in office
First vice-presidents Picture Name Term of office Political party President Took office Left office Time in office 1 Simon Muzenda 31 December 1987 20 September 2003 ZANU–PF Robert Mugabe 2 Joice Mujuru 6 December 2004 8 December 2014 ZANU–PF 3 Emmerson Mnangagwa 12 December 2014 6 November 2017 ZANU–PF Post vacant (6 November – 28 December 2017) Emmerson Mnangagwa 4 Constantino Chiwenga 28 December 2017 Incumbent ZANU–PF
Timeline
Second vice-presidents Picture Name Term of office Political party President Took office Left office Time in office 1 Joshua Nkomo 6 August 1990 1 July 1999 ZANU–PF Robert Mugabe 2 Joseph Msika 23 December 1999 4 August 2009 ZANU–PF 3 John Nkomo 14 December 2009 17 January 2013 ZANU–PF 4 Phelekezela Mphoko 12 December 2014 27 November 2017 ZANU–PF Independent Emmerson Mnangagwa Post vacant (27 November – 28 December 2017) 5 Kembo Mohadi 28 December 2017 1 March 2021 ZANU–PF Post vacant (1 March 2021 – 8 September 2023) Kembo Mohadi 8 September 2023 Incumbent ZANU–PF
Timeline
Rank by time in office
First vice-presidents RankVice presidentTime in office1Simon Muzenda2Joice Mujuru3Constantino Chiwenga4Emmerson Mnangagwa
Second vice-presidents RankVice presidentTime in office1Joseph Msika2Joshua Nkomo3Kembo Mohadi4John Nkomo5Phelekezela Mphoko
See also President of Zimbabwe Prime Minister of Zimbabwe List of current vice presidents
Notes
References