Charamba fires back at Mliswa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's spokesperson, George Charamba, has hit back at political activist and Mnangagwa loyalist Temba Mliswa, who accused him of betraying the President amid internal Zanu-PF tensions over succession.

The controversy erupted following accusations that Charamba authored Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's blistering speech at the Zanu-PF annual conference in Mutare last Friday, which appeared to counter the party's politburo line delivered by Secretary for Legal Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi. Chiwenga's address critiqued the 2030 political agenda and alleged corruption, sparking speculation about internal rifts.

Mliswa, a fierce critic of Chiwenga, took to social media to condemn Charamba, describing him as a habitual betrayer of principals. He cited Charamba's past conduct during the Mugabe-Mnangagwa succession struggle, saying:

"Mai Mugabe realised it and called him out in public before. While at that time his cause appeared noble, the underlying factor was still betrayal of a principal! … His latest conduct, as a Presidential Spokesperson, when the President came under siege has been very telling and speaks of a compromised character."

Mliswa further accused Charamba of failing to actively defend Mnangagwa while passionately defending Chiwenga, noting that the spokesperson often engages in social media spats under pseudonyms instead of using ideas and logic.

In response, Charamba dismissed Mliswa's allegations, writing:

"I hardly have time for a failed opposition figure who seeks to play saviour to my principal or to Zanu PF, which he is yet to re-join. I will only take notice of his errant views when he becomes a member of Zanu PF, or an MP after winning a seat in a free and fair electoral contest. For now, he is a mere talkative nobody who has no lessons for me! You can advise him to go hang on a banana tree if he has any, or runs an orchard!!!"

The exchange highlights the growing factional tension within Zanu-PF, with Charamba caught in the crossfire of the ongoing power struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. Analysts suggest the episode reflects the challenges facing party insiders tasked with navigating loyalty, messaging, and internal disputes amid the upcoming succession debate.