Temba Mliswa Decries Mutsvangwa’s Anti-Tagwirei Stance As Self-serving

Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has unleashed a scathing attack on Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, publicly accusing him of manipulating internal party processes and leveraging party rules to further his personal aspirations of one day leading the ruling party.

In a series of statements posted on X, Mliswa claimed that Mutsvangwa views Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and prominent businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as significant impediments to his political ambitions.

He alleged that Mutsvangwa’s recent vocal opposition to Tagwirei’s proposed co-option into the Zanu-PF Central Committee is not a principled stand on party regulations but a calculated move to sideline perceived rivals.

“Mutsvangwa harbours ambitions of being Zanu-PF leader and sees both VP Chiwenga and Tagwirei as stumbling blocks to the realisation of that dream,” Mliswa stated.

“The spirited press conferences against Tagwirei are an opportune moment for him to decimate the figure of one of his supposed opponents.”

The party’s rejection of Harare Province’s recommendation to co-opt Tagwirei into the Central Committee has been a hot topic of discussion within the political circles in Zimbabwe.

Mutsvangwa publicly stated that Tagwirei did not meet the constitutional requirements for Central Committee membership, specifically citing the five-year minimum service at provincial or District Coordinating Committee level.

Mliswa, however, dismissed this explanation as disingenuous, arguing that the Zanu-PF Politburo possesses the authority to grant waivers to candidates who may not meet the strict service requirements if their strategic value, loyalty, and contributions to the party are deemed significant.

“No one can argue against Tagwirei as lacking any of the above values for Zanu-PF! It is thus merely convenient lies for Mutsvangwa to cite the party law book as the hindrance against Tagwirei.

“It’s not! The hindrance is his own ambitions which he feels Chiwenga and Tagwirei are endangering and he has to act to scupper them in whichever way!” Mliswa asserted.

Mliswa further accused Mutsvangwa of a long history of political opportunism, alleging a pattern of undermining colleagues to advance his own career.

He pointed to previous incidents, including Mutsvangwa’s alleged role in the ouster of former Vice President Joice Mujuru and then-War Veterans leader Jabulani Sibanda, as examples of what he described as self-serving political maneuvers.

“Mugabe died with regret for being misled by figures like Mutsvangwa, who instigated the expulsion of Mai Mujuru under the false pretense that she sought to usurp power. Such underhanded tactics are emblematic of Mutsvangwa’s political modus operandi,” Mliswa claimed.

“He exhibited the same when Jabulani Sibanda, then War Vets leader, was ousted for raising legitimate concerns within the party. Mutsvangwa seized the opportunity to ascend as the leader of the War Veterans in 2014.”

Blasting Mutsvangwa’s political credentials, Mliswa claimed he often distances himself during periods of turmoil, only to resurface and claim credit when the dust settles.

He cited the 2017 “Restore Legacy” campaign, stating that while others worked diligently, Mutsvangwa “retreated from visibility” and “resurfaced when it was calmer.”

On the Tagwirei issue, Mliswa argued it would be hypocritical for Zanu-PF to benefit from the businessman’s financial support while denying him meaningful participation in party structures.

He suggested Zanu-PF consider adopting a model similar to South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, which owns businesses to fund its operations, thereby reducing dependency on individual financiers like Tagwirei.

Mliswa’s remarks come amid intensified speculation about succession dynamics within the ruling party as it prepares for its 2027 elective congress.

The accusations follow Mutsvangwa’s recent strong public rebuke of Tagwirei, where the Zanu-PF spokesperson declared that Zimbabweans must “stop picking heroes from the streets and foisting them on the people.”

Speaking at a press conference, Mutsvangwa had cited the party’s rejection of Tagwirei’s alleged presidential ambitions, describing him as “unelectable” and accusing him of attempting to “buy power” through “lavish handouts.”

Mutsvangwa also insisted that Tagwirei’s wealth and empire were a product of Zanu-PF’s political leadership.

“Zanu-PF made Tagwirei. Tagwirei can’t be bigger than the party. The people of Zimbabwe should remain confident in Zanu-PF. We are not for sale,” Mutsvangwa said.

Zanu-PF is rocked by factional battles linked to succession disputes within Zanu-PF, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term is expected to end in 2028.

Vice President Chiwenga is widely considered the frontrunner in the succession race, but Mnangagwa is allegedly nurturing Tagwirei to replace him. *nehandaradio*