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Mliswa accused of being bribed to malign Chiwenga
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Temba Mliswa's sustained attacks on Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga have intensified an already volatile succession struggle within Zanu-PF, with the outspoken politician unleashing a week-long barrage of social media posts and public commentary that critics say appear to align him with forces close to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The flare-up followed claims made on September 20 by Blessed Runesu Geza, also known as Cde Bombshell, that Mliswa had been financially incentivised by cartels linked to Mnangagwa to discredit Chiwenga. Hours after the allegation surfaced, Mliswa's criticisms of the vice-president escalated, prompting observers to question whether his interventions are politically motivated or principled.
Two weeks ago Chiwenga stunned a Zanu-PF politburo meeting by presenting a dossier accusing a circle of businessmen of enriching themselves through inflated state tenders and lavish donations to the party. The dossier alleges that Zanu-PF has lost billions since Mnangagwa's takeover in November 2017 and points to the party's unpaid 45% stake in Sakunda Holdings and dealings involving Kudakwashe Tagwirei. Chiwenga demanded the arrest of Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya and Delish Nguwaya, naming them among those he says have benefited from corrupt practices.
The confrontation reportedly unnerved Mnangagwa and preceded a swift round of political counter-moves. Within days, critics say, a coordinated public campaign sought to discredit Chiwenga and blunt his anti-corruption offensive, with Mliswa emerging as a prominent public face of that campaign. Mliswa has publicly criticised Chiwenga for raising the matter at a politburo meeting rather than pursuing private channels, and he has accused the vice-president of politicising anti-corruption efforts for personal gain.
Mliswa's record of shifting allegiances has drawn scepticism from commentators who describe him as an opportunist whose positions adapt to changing political winds. Critics note that only weeks earlier Mliswa had praised Chiwenga's role in the events that led to Mnangagwa's rise, including the military intervention in 2017, and argue that his sudden volte-face raises questions about motive.
Those defending Chiwenga point to the vice-president's central role in the 2017 removal of Robert Mugabe - including logistical and security actions that helped secure Mnangagwa's path to power - and say Chiwenga's public airing of corruption allegations reflects frustration at promised reforms that have not materialised. Supporters of the vice-president argue that holding senior figures accountable is part of the coup's unfulfilled mandate for a cleaner, more accountable government.
The episode underscores the broader fault lines within Zanu-PF as factions manoeuvre ahead of the party's annual conference and debate proposals to extend Mnangagwa's term. Analysts warn that personality-driven politics and public vilification campaigns risk deepening mistrust inside the party and could have consequences for national stability if rivalries remain unresolved.
As Mliswa continues his attacks, political watchers say the row illustrates how quickly internal disputes can be amplified on social media and in public fora, turning intra-party disagreements into broader political crises. For now, neither side has shown signs of backing down, leaving Zimbabwe's ruling party locked in a contest over power, patronage and the legacy of the 2017 transition.
The flare-up followed claims made on September 20 by Blessed Runesu Geza, also known as Cde Bombshell, that Mliswa had been financially incentivised by cartels linked to Mnangagwa to discredit Chiwenga. Hours after the allegation surfaced, Mliswa's criticisms of the vice-president escalated, prompting observers to question whether his interventions are politically motivated or principled.
Two weeks ago Chiwenga stunned a Zanu-PF politburo meeting by presenting a dossier accusing a circle of businessmen of enriching themselves through inflated state tenders and lavish donations to the party. The dossier alleges that Zanu-PF has lost billions since Mnangagwa's takeover in November 2017 and points to the party's unpaid 45% stake in Sakunda Holdings and dealings involving Kudakwashe Tagwirei. Chiwenga demanded the arrest of Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya and Delish Nguwaya, naming them among those he says have benefited from corrupt practices.
The confrontation reportedly unnerved Mnangagwa and preceded a swift round of political counter-moves. Within days, critics say, a coordinated public campaign sought to discredit Chiwenga and blunt his anti-corruption offensive, with Mliswa emerging as a prominent public face of that campaign. Mliswa has publicly criticised Chiwenga for raising the matter at a politburo meeting rather than pursuing private channels, and he has accused the vice-president of politicising anti-corruption efforts for personal gain.
Mliswa's record of shifting allegiances has drawn scepticism from commentators who describe him as an opportunist whose positions adapt to changing political winds. Critics note that only weeks earlier Mliswa had praised Chiwenga's role in the events that led to Mnangagwa's rise, including the military intervention in 2017, and argue that his sudden volte-face raises questions about motive.
Those defending Chiwenga point to the vice-president's central role in the 2017 removal of Robert Mugabe - including logistical and security actions that helped secure Mnangagwa's path to power - and say Chiwenga's public airing of corruption allegations reflects frustration at promised reforms that have not materialised. Supporters of the vice-president argue that holding senior figures accountable is part of the coup's unfulfilled mandate for a cleaner, more accountable government.
The episode underscores the broader fault lines within Zanu-PF as factions manoeuvre ahead of the party's annual conference and debate proposals to extend Mnangagwa's term. Analysts warn that personality-driven politics and public vilification campaigns risk deepening mistrust inside the party and could have consequences for national stability if rivalries remain unresolved.
As Mliswa continues his attacks, political watchers say the row illustrates how quickly internal disputes can be amplified on social media and in public fora, turning intra-party disagreements into broader political crises. For now, neither side has shown signs of backing down, leaving Zimbabwe's ruling party locked in a contest over power, patronage and the legacy of the 2017 transition.
Source - The Standard
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