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Participant Info

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First Name

Emmerson

Last Name

Mnangagwa

City

Harare

Province

Midlands

Country

Zimbabwe

Current Job/Career

President of Zimbabwe, Commander in Chief Zimbabwe National Army

A Little About..

President Emmerson Mnangagwa – The Crocodile of Zimbabwean Politics

Few figures in Zimbabwe’s modern history have stirred as much intrigue, admiration, and debate as President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. Known affectionately and fearfully by his nickname “Ngwena” — Shona for “the Crocodile” — Mnangagwa’s political journey has been one of cunning strategy, quiet resilience, and an uncanny ability to survive and thrive in Zimbabwe’s turbulent political waters.

Born on September 15, 1942, in Zvishavane, Mnangagwa’s rise began in the crucible of the liberation struggle. As a young freedom fighter, he joined the fight against colonial rule, becoming one of the earliest members of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA). His courage and loyalty earned him respect among liberation icons — including Robert Mugabe, who would later become both his mentor and rival. After Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, Mnangagwa quickly ascended the political ladder, serving in a series of powerful cabinet positions, from Minister of State Security to Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

But it was his role as Vice President under Mugabe that set the stage for his most dramatic political chapter. In 2017, after a sudden and controversial dismissal from government, Mnangagwa fled the country, only to return weeks later amid a military-assisted transition that would see Mugabe step down. The Crocodile had struck — and by November 2017, Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, marking the end of a 37-year Mugabe era and the dawn of what many hoped would be a “Second Republic.”

Mnangagwa’s presidency has been defined by his “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra, a bold attempt to court investors and rebuild an economy battered by decades of sanctions and instability. Under his watch, the government has embarked on infrastructure development, agricultural revival, and currency stabilization efforts, though critics argue progress has been uneven. He has positioned himself as a pragmatic reformer, balancing old-guard liberation politics with new-world economic ambitions.

Known for his sharp intelligence and steely demeanor, Mnangagwa has been described by both supporters and detractors as a master tactician. His leadership style combines traditional authority with modern political branding — a careful dance between revolutionary loyalty and global diplomacy. Internationally, Mnangagwa has courted China, Russia, and regional allies within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), while domestically, he has faced scrutiny over human rights issues and economic challenges.

Despite the controversies, Mnangagwa remains a dominant figure on Zimbabwe’s political landscape. His ZANU–PF party continues to command rural support, and his ability to navigate political storms has solidified his status as one of Africa’s longest-surviving power brokers. The 2023 election reaffirmed his grip on leadership, though opposition voices and international observers continue to call for greater transparency and reform.

Away from the hard edge of politics, Mnangagwa is known as a family man, husband to First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, and father to several children, some of whom have ventured into business and politics themselves. He maintains a visible presence on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where he often shares government updates and national messages — a modern twist for a leader whose career began long before the digital age.

Throughout his decades-long career, Mnangagwa has been both praised as a liberation hero and criticized as a shrewd political survivor. Whether celebrated or questioned, his story is undeniably central to Zimbabwe’s post-independence journey. He remains the embodiment of resilience — a man whose political life mirrors the nation’s own struggle for stability, sovereignty, and renewal.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa continues to define Zimbabwe’s path with his blend of liberation legacy and pragmatic leadership, cementing his place as one of Africa’s most fascinating and enduring political figures.

Bio last updated on: October 18, 2025

Website, Blog or Social Media Link

x.com/edmnangagwa