The Unraveling of Temba Mliswa’s Allegiances
Temba Mliswa has always been a figure of intrigue, known for his sharp tongue and unpredictable stances. Over the past week, his emotional outburst against Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga has drawn significant attention. While I may not be a fervent supporter of Blessed Runesu Geza, commonly known as Cde Bombshell, I initially dismissed his claim that Mliswa was financially motivated by cartels linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to undermine Chiwenga’s reputation.
However, the truth soon became evident. Mliswa’s attacks on Chiwenga have grown increasingly aggressive, resembling a direct assault on the vice president. Two weeks ago, Chiwenga confronted Mnangagwa during a politburo meeting, accusing him of colluding with criminal cartels responsible for widespread corruption in Zimbabwe. He presented a detailed report showing how Zanu PF has lost billions since Mnangagwa took power in 2017.
The party has yet to receive any funds from its 45% stake in Sakunda Holdings, owned by businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei. Chiwenga demanded the arrest of several individuals involved in awarding inflated tenders, which have drained the country of millions of U.S. dollars. This confrontation did not sit well with Mnangagwa, who even threatened to resign. The very next day, Mliswa emerged as one of the main critics, launching a campaign to tarnish Chiwenga’s image.
Since then, Mliswa has become a regular presence on social media, unleashing a barrage of attacks against the VP. He accused Chiwenga of using the anti-corruption campaign for political gain, arguing that it should not be “hijacked for a few political points.” However, he remains silent on how proceeds from corruption are being used within Zanu PF to elevate certain individuals, with Tagwirei being a prime example.
Mliswa admitted that corruption is deeply rooted in Zanu PF, and no one, including Chiwenga, is free from its influence. He further claimed that Chiwenga disrespected the president by confronting him publicly instead of addressing the issue privately. What stood out was his assertion that Mnangagwa has been overly lenient; otherwise, he could have dismissed Chiwenga outright.
According to Mliswa, Chiwenga should be grateful for his position as vice president. In a previous interview, Mliswa praised Chiwenga for his principled stance, criticizing Mnangagwa as the head of a corrupt government. He emphasized that Mnangagwa is the one in charge, responsible for decisions within the cabinet and Zanu PF.
I have long viewed Mliswa as an opportunist, someone who adapts his positions based on personal interests. Today he may praise Chiwenga as a true general, and tomorrow he may denounce him, all for strategic advantage. His claim that Mnangagwa should dismiss Chiwenga deserves closer examination.
Mliswa understands how Mnangagwa came to power and the critical role Chiwenga played in it. He orchestrated the helicopter transport of Mnangagwa to a hospital in Gweru after he was poisoned, a risky move that only the president could authorize. Chiwenga also provided security during Mnangagwa’s treatment in South Africa and facilitated his escape when he faced arrest under Mugabe.
Chiwenga led the coup that ousted Mugabe from power, even rejecting his offer of the presidency to reinstate Mnangagwa. In this context, who truly appointed whom?
Chiwenga’s current actions reflect his frustration over a coup that promised a new dawn for Zimbabwe, a promise that remains unfulfilled under Mnangagwa. Is it not Chiwenga’s duty to hold Mnangagwa accountable for his failures? People are already blaming Chiwenga and other generals for forcing Mnangagwa into power in 2017, whose rule is marred by corruption, cronyism, and tribalism.
These issues have caused immense suffering while Mnangagwa and his allies have accumulated wealth, distributing cars and cash like confetti. While Mliswa may argue that Mnangagwa was voted into office, one must consider: would he have been elected if Chiwenga had chosen to rule? That could have ended Mnangagwa’s political career.
Mliswa, in his usual fashion, seeks to maneuver cleverly while ignoring the harsh realities. My advice to him is this: cleverness without honesty or prudence is a dangerous path. Always remember, a person with restless feet may find themselves in a snake pit.
Temba, you are meddling in matters beyond your understanding, acting deceitfully while risking your own safety. Those who throw ashes invariably find them returning to their faces. Your attempts to manipulate situations for Mnangagwa’s benefit at the expense of the people will ultimately backfire.
The events of 2017 should serve as a stark reminder. Many who believed themselves clever and invincible fled the country on motorcycles, not in their luxurious ministerial cars. Yes, I am aware you claim to fear nothing, but to me, you resemble a wildcat staring into a mirror, seeing itself and believing that it is seeing a lion. Such delusions are dangerous.
You are conveniently acting with deception while disregarding truth for “clever advantage,” and you will pay dearly for this. Take heed of this warning: Zimbabwe has suffered under Mnangagwa’s corrupt regime, and enablers like you will face consequences.
If I were you, I would return the funds you got to tarnish Chiwenga. I know you are struggling to make ends meet, even resorting to selling cattle from your farm. However, the methods you choose to replenish your finances are fraught with peril.
