Zimbabwean government renames Mbudzi roundabout to Trabablas Interchange, marking latest public infrastructure named after President Mnangagwa amid succession concerns.

HARARE- Zimbabwe’s cabinet approved renaming Harare’s major Mbudzi roundabout to Trabablas Interchange, after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s liberation war name, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere announced Tuesday at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare.

The decision represents the latest public infrastructure project named after Mnangagwa, who leads the ruling Zanu PF party. The government claims the renaming recognizes the president’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s development agenda.

“Cabinet wishes to advise that upon completion, the Mbudzi Interchange will be named ‘Trabablas Interchange’ in recognition of the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President,” Muswere said.

The interchange, still under construction, aims to resolve severe traffic congestion that plagued the original Mbudzi roundabout during peak hours.

Many Zimbabweans have taken to social media to express their disapproval of the name change. Citizens say they will continue referring to it as “paMbudzi,” just as they still call Emmerson Mnangagwa Road by its former name, Enterprise Road, despite its official renaming in 2022.

The renaming comes amid speculation about Mnangagwa’s political future. While party officials have suggested he seek a third term, the president has publicly stated he will step down when his second term ends in 2028.

In the same briefing, Muswere announced Cabinet’s decision to restore original names to several military installations. Headquarters 1 Infantry Brigade will retain the name Khumalo Barracks, while Headquarters Bulawayo District keeps its Imbizo Barracks designation. The Zimbabwe School of Infantry will be renamed Lookout Masuku Barracks.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, acting as chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Place Names, proposed both the interchange renaming and the military facilities’ name restorations.