Mliswa challenges Operation Restore Legacy narrative, calls for institutional reform over hero worship

Outspoken former MP and political activist Temba Mliswa has ignited debate over the legacy of Zimbabwe's 2017 military-assisted transition, arguing that Operation Restore Legacy (ORL) was a product of national consensus - not the heroic feat of a single individual. In a detailed post on his X account, Mliswa dismantled the growing narrative that credits Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as the sole architect of the Second Republic, warning that such revisionism undermines the contributions of other key players and distorts history.
A collective effort, not a one-man show

Mliswa asserted that the birth of the Second Republic was driven by broad political consensus, with Parliament serving as the "pincer point" of the transition. He accused Chiwenga's allies of hijacking the ORL narrative to position him as a political saviour entitled to power, while sidelining others who played pivotal roles.

Among those highlighted was businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, whom Mliswa described as the financial backbone of the operation. According to Mliswa, Tagwirei provided millions of litres of fuel, food, and over US$10 million in logistical support to the Zimbabwe National Army and ZANU PF structures during the uprising. He also funded youth mobilisation, war veterans' conventions, and party operations.

"Without Tagwirei, the Army was an immobile financial relic," Mliswa wrote, adding that the businessman's contributions were instrumental in enabling the military's movement and strategic planning.

Internal contradictions and political hesitancy

Mliswa also challenged the portrayal of Chiwenga as a decisive leader, noting that he was out of the country in China when the uprising began and had to be rescued at the airport by Presidential Guard commander Anselem Sanyatwe. He claimed that Chiwenga and Obert Mpofu initially opposed the Central Committee's move to install Emmerson Mnangagwa as President, preferring a party congress route.

"ED was not hiding - he was the lead thinker and organiser," Mliswa stated, referencing Mnangagwa's public letter declaring his imminent return to lead the country.

Call for institutional reform over political heroism

Turning to corruption, Mliswa warned against allowing any individual - including Chiwenga - to act as "judge and jury" in anti-corruption efforts. He called for a systematic, institutional approach involving Parliament, ZACC, and other oversight bodies, similar to South Africa's Madlanga Commission.

"Your weakness for main characters instead of strong institutions is how the national agenda remains secondary," he wrote, urging Zimbabweans to prioritise accountability over personality cults.

Party politics and misplaced entitlement

Mliswa criticised Chiwenga's recent posture at the ZANU PF Conference, accusing him of inflaming internal party matters into public spectacles and failing to build a grassroots political base in Mashonaland East. He argued that Chiwenga's military legacy does not automatically translate into political capital.

"He remains a veritable military hero, but his political craftsmanship requires better support," Mliswa concluded.

The post has sparked widespread discussion online, with many praising Mliswa's candour while others questioned the timing and motives behind the revelations.