Chiwenga hits out at corrupt elements

Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga delivered a stern message against corruption during his address at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday, where factionalism within Zanu-PF took center stage. The event, which saw thousands of mourners gathered to pay respects to three national heroes - Chenhamo Chakezha Chimutengwende, Ambassador John Shumba Mvundura, and Retired Major General Solomon Siziba - was marred by open displays of loyalty between rival factions within the party.

In his speech, Chiwenga, who is the Acting President of Zimbabwe, emphasized the need to tackle corruption if the country is to reach its goal of becoming an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society.

"We can only realize our vision of attaining an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by guarding against and desisting from all forms of actions and misdeeds which undermine the national interests, and these include foremost corruption and all forms of related unethical and selfish conduct, especially in respect of business transactions at whatever level, from small to large economic units," Chiwenga stated.

Corruption remains a pressing issue in Zimbabwe, with reports exposing large-scale graft involving tenderpreneurs and top government officials, who often flaunt their newfound wealth. Chiwenga's call for reform came against the backdrop of persistent allegations of corruption within the ruling party, Zanu-PF.

However, Chiwenga's message on unity and the nation's future was juxtaposed with visible factional tensions among party loyalists. As the Acting President arrived at the event, he was met with an enthusiastic welcome from some supporters, while others, aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's camp, remained seated and quiet. This division was particularly evident among the women from the Zanu-PF affiliate group, Young Women4ED, who wore pink T-shirts in support of Mnangagwa's 2030 term extension agenda.

The factionalism within Zanu-PF has been a subject of contention, especially with Mnangagwa's loyalists pushing for an extension of his rule beyond 2028. Last October, the ruling party adopted a resolution calling for his term to extend to 2030, a move that has met resistance from grassroots structures, including war veterans. Despite these pressures, Mnangagwa has maintained that he is not interested in extending his presidency.

Chiwenga took the opportunity to call for unity, peace, and collective progress. He praised the media for highlighting the legacies of the three heroes, reinforcing the message that all sectors of society have a role to play in nation-building.

"Let us all strive to build a habitable, peaceful, economically stable, and secure Zimbabwe as a legacy for future generations," he said. "It is the duty of each generation to take our nation forward."

In his remarks, Chiwenga encouraged all Zimbabweans to focus on nation-building, regardless of political affiliations. He called on media, civil society, and opposition political parties to contribute positively to the country's development, urging a spirit of unity and respect despite political differences.

"We must remain united as Zimbabweans, pulling in one direction for the purpose of attaining peace, security, and prosperity," he added. "Despite our divergent political views, we should always remember that we are one people who should be guided by the ethic of transformative politics, where tolerance, forgiveness, and Ubuntu take precedence."

The Vice-President concluded his address by stressing the importance of mutual respect and forgiveness, warning against petty jealousy, which he described as a "mortal sin" that cannot be forgiven in this life or the next.

The political climate in Zimbabwe remains tense as factional divisions within Zanu-PF continue to shape the party's trajectory, with the upcoming years likely to see further developments in the debate over leadership succession and the future of the country.