'Chiwenga is being misled by wife'

Outspoken former legislator Temba Mliswa has stirred controversy by declaring businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as President Emmerson Mnangagwa's natural successor, effectively dismissing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's chances of assuming the presidency.

The declaration emerged from a leaked audio of a phone conversation between Mliswa and controversial businessman Agrippa "Bopela" Masiyakurima, secretly recorded by Masiyakurima. In the conversation, Mliswa argued that Chiwenga is being misled by his wife, Miniyothabo Baloyi, into believing he still wields sufficient military influence to claim the nation's top office.

Once a fierce critic of Tagwirei, Mliswa defended his shift in allegiance, insisting he has no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. "The person who is going to take over from Mnangagwa is someone he trusts, who will protect his interests, Tagwirei," Mliswa said. He added that social media cannot install leaders and urged businesspeople to align with those in power rather than opposing them, branding Chiwenga a "stepfather" in contrast to the "father" in Mnangagwa.

Masiyakurima appeared to agree with Mliswa on Tagwirei's prospects, citing his own past grievances with Mnangagwa over a failed US$5 million business deal. Mliswa further accused Chiwenga of corruption and pursuing personal vendettas, including disputes over unreceived wedding gifts.

Chiwenga, once considered the most powerful man in Zimbabwe following his role in the November 2017 military intervention that removed Robert Mugabe, is now widely seen as having lost influence since retiring from the army to serve as deputy president. Analysts suggest that the military's loyalty has shifted toward the Mnangagwa–Tagwirei faction, though Chiwenga reportedly continues to overestimate his sway.

"There is no longer any opposition in Zanu-PF, they are headed to a conference with Mnangagwa tightly holding onto power, there is no coup that will ever happen in Zimbabwe," Mliswa said. He added that the recent fleet of cars given to the military came from Tagwirei, with ZDF Commander Phillip Valerio Sibanda, a former ZIPRA officer, saluting. "Chiwenga will never direct operations for the army, that will never happen. He removed his uniform. That man is being misled by his wife, he should remember that he no longer wears a uniform."

Baloyi, a serving Colonel, has in recent months increased her public profile, a move analysts view as part of both her own rebranding and that of the Chiwenga family. The statements come amid continuing criticism of the Mnangagwa administration over alleged corruption, ruthless political tactics, and its expanding influence in key economic sectors, including mining.