Chiwenga strikes again

Acting President Constantine Chiwenga has launched a pointed critique of corruption and tribalism, warning against the abuse of Zimbabwe's Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the nation into an upper-middle-income economy.

Speaking at the National Heroes Acre during the burial of national hero Justin Mupamhanga, Chiwenga made it clear that Vision 2030 is meant to benefit all Zimbabweans, not a privileged few accumulating wealth through questionable means.

"Our Vision 2030 is for all of us, not for those you refer to as 'mbingas'!" Chiwenga said, using a term commonly associated with wealthy individuals. He further described such individuals as "zvigananda," a term from the liberation war era used to refer to those with questionable morals.

He stressed the need for equitable resource distribution, stating, "Zimbabwe belongs to all of us. We must share its God-given resources equally, ensuring that no one, including the vulnerable, the widowed, or the orphaned, is marginalized or pushed aside in a ruthless pursuit of undeserved privileges. Corruption must end."

Chiwenga also called out corruption and greed as direct contradictions of the values that underpinned Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. He emphasized the need to uphold the principles of fairness and collective benefit, adding, "During the liberation war, we were urged not to be greedy, selfish, corrupt, or tribalistic."

He invoked the Shona proverb, "Zvehubvanzu ubvanzu kudya kwemhumhi takazviramba," meaning the liberation fighters rejected a scenario where only a few benefited while the majority suffered.

The Acting President's remarks also addressed growing concerns over tribalism, following accusations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa of appointing individuals from the Karanga-speaking group to key positions.

Recent appointments, including Stephen Mutamba as Police Commissioner-General and Lovemore Matuke as State Security Minister—both from Masvingo province—have sparked frustration among critics, including some war veterans within Zanu PF.

Factional tensions were palpable during the burial proceedings. One group, aligned with Chiwenga, cheered enthusiastically throughout his speech, particularly when he indirectly criticized controversial businessmen such as Wicknell Chivhayo. They sang a song with the refrain, "Siyanai naye Chiwenga, munomuvengerei," translating to, "Leave Chiwenga alone, why do you hate him?"

In stark contrast, another faction, clad in pink t-shirts bearing the slogan "Women for ED," remained silent, signaling their allegiance to Mnangagwa.

Chiwenga's remarks come amid intensifying factional divisions within Zanu PF. A faction led by war veteran and Central Committee member Blessed Runesu Geza recently accused Mnangagwa of tribalism, corruption, and plotting to extend his term beyond the constitutional limit of 2028.

Zimbabwe's Constitution restricts presidents to two five-year terms, as outlined in Section 328. Despite Geza's press conference, Zanu PF officials at the burial declined to comment on the accusations.

Notably, banners advocating for Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030 were absent at the event, with only two placards displaying neutral Vision 2030 messaging.

Chiwenga's speech serves as a rallying call for unity and accountability in pursuing Vision 2030. By condemning corruption, tribalism, and greed, the Acting President underscored the importance of upholding the values of the liberation struggle to build an inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe.