Mliswa Challenges Tone of Vice President's Speech
Temba Mliswa, former ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman, has launched a public criticism of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga regarding remarks made at the 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi. Mliswa accused Chiwenga of undermining a gathering intended to promote unity and national development.
Mliswa issued his critique on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, arguing that the tone of Chiwenga’s address clashed with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s focus on development. He described the Vice President’s remarks as "corrosive" and "discordant," questioning why the conference had become a platform for revisiting political grievances rather than concentrating on the party’s programmes and economic priorities.
Mliswa stated that the annual conference should focus on policy, development, and the party’s direction. He added that the gathering was not intended for the resurrection of old disputes, which he believed had already been dealt with internally.
Contrasting Messages on Party Direction
The criticism followed Chiwenga’s address on Friday, in which the Vice President challenged party delegates to examine whether ZANU PF was repeating past mistakes. He asked whether the resolutions reflected the wishes of ordinary people and called for orderly change guided by party structures and the ZANU PF constitution.
Chiwenga stressed that leaders should serve the public and ensure that party resolutions improve people’s lives. Mliswa argued that Chiwenga’s remarks contradicted Mnangagwa’s message on production and economic development.
Mliswa questioned the coordination of the Presidency’s communications team regarding these differing messages. He took aim at presidential speechwriters, suggesting that if George Charamba had written both addresses, he had "ceased to be an asset" and become a danger to the State’s messaging. Mliswa noted that if Charamba was not responsible for both speeches, then Chiwenga’s team should be held responsible for the inconsistency.
Questions on Leadership Position
Mliswa concluded his assessment by questioning whether Chiwenga should remain in his position if he was irreconcilably opposed to the prevailing order. His remarks represent his own assessment of Chiwenga’s speech rather than an official party response.