Chivayo fires back at Mliswa in explosive social media clash

Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has launched a blistering response to former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa following a social media exchange that has drawn widespread attention on X, formerly Twitter.

In a lengthy post, Chivayo accused Mliswa of seeking relevance through public attacks and dismissed him as a failed politician who was attempting to remain in the public spotlight.

The businessman claimed that he had previously outperformed Mliswa during a parliamentary portfolio committee session on the controversial Gwanda Solar Project, alleging that committee members, including Mliswa, had failed to challenge his responses during questioning.

Chivayo said the former MP resorted to personal attacks after failing to win arguments on substantive issues, adding that he viewed this as a sign that Mliswa had run out of facts to support his position.

The outspoken businessman also accused Mliswa of having a history of using parliamentary influence for personal gain, alleging that businesspeople were often pressured for what he described as "protection fees" when he served as a legislator. He further mocked Mliswa's current political standing, claiming that he had lost influence and was struggling to remain relevant.

In one of the most pointed sections of his response, Chivayo criticised Mliswa's frequent media appearances and comments on succession politics within the ruling party. He argued that Mliswa had no authority to speak on internal matters affecting the governing party and urged him to stop commenting on who should succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but Zimbabweans will never take advice from a failed politician trying to earn a living," Chivayo said in the post.

He further insisted that the President had repeatedly stated that the selection of a future leader was a matter for the party and not for external commentators.

The businessman also ridiculed explanations previously given by Mliswa regarding his preference for driving luxury vehicles, while questioning his credibility on several public issues. Chivayo additionally referenced an incident at a beauty pageant event where he alleged Mliswa had made public financial pledges that were never fulfilled.

Despite the fierce criticism, Chivayo ended his remarks on a lighter note, saying he had many more responses he could offer but was occupied with building what he described as a multi-billion-dollar business empire.

The latest exchange is the latest chapter in a long-running war of words between the two public figures, whose disputes have frequently played out in the public domain. The confrontation has once again ignited debate on social media, with supporters of both men weighing in on the increasingly personal feud.