By Shingirai Vambe
Acting President Constantine Chiwenga recently launched a scathing attack on corrupt individuals seeking to exploit Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030. Speaking at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, Chiwenga emphasized that Vision 2030 aims to achieve an upper-middle-income economy for all Zimbabweans, not just a select few accumulating wealth through illicit means.
Chiwenga’s remarks were seen as a thinly veiled critique of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, which has been accused of corruption and tribalism. The Vice President’s statements were met with loud applause from one faction of the ruling ZANU-PF party, while another faction, wearing pink t-shirts bearing the logo “Women for ED,” remained silent.
The divisions within ZANU-PF are evident, with Chiwenga’s supporters and Mnangagwa’s loyalists engaging in a war of words. A factional group of war veterans, led by ZANU-PF Central Committee member Blessed Runesu Geza, recently attacked Mnangagwa, accusing him of tribalism, corruption, and attempting to extend his term beyond 2028.
The issue of tribalism, citing recent appointments made by Mnangagwa, including the retirement of former police chief Godwin Matanga and the appointment of Lovemore Matuke as State Security Minister, both from Masvingo province. These appointments have sparked anger and frustration among critics, including some war veterans within ZANU-PF.
The Vice President’s remarks were not limited to corruption and tribalism; he also emphasized the need for equal opportunity and resource distribution, quoting a Shona proverb that rejects a situation where only a few benefit from national resources while others suffer.
As the power struggle within ZANU-PF intensifies, Chiwenga’s statements have been seen as a challenge to Mnangagwa’s leadership. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of controversial businessmen like Wicknell Chivhayo, who has been accused of vote-buying and corruption.
In a related development, Christopher Mutsvangwa, a key ally of Mnangagwa, recently launched an attack on Chiwenga, questioning his fitness for higher office and accusing him of being influenced by corrupt individuals. The war of words between the two factions is expected to escalate in the coming days, with the ZANU-PF Youth League planning to take action against “cartels” seen as backing Chiwenga.
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