Temba Mliswa Criticises Chiwenga And Questions Presidency’s Messaging
Temba Mliswa has launched a scathing attack on Vice President Constantino Chiwenga over his remarks at the 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi, accusing him of undermining a gathering meant to promote unity and national development.
The former ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman criticised Chiwenga’s speech on Saturday, 17 October 2026, arguing that its tone clashed with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s development-focused address.
Mliswa described the Vice President’s remarks as “corrosive” and “discordant”, questioning why the conference had become a platform for revisiting political grievances instead of concentrating on the party’s programmes and economic priorities.
Mliswa Questions Chiwenga’s ZANU PF Conference Remarks
In his criticism, Mliswa said the annual conference should focus on policy, development and the party’s direction rather than issues he believes have already been dealt with internally.
He said:
“When members assemble for an event as momentous as the 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference, the expectation is singular and solemn: to articulate policy, to outline programmes, and to chart the developmental trajectory.”
Mliswa added that the gathering was not intended for the resurrection of old disputes.
His comments followed Chiwenga’s Friday address, in which the Vice President challenged party delegates to examine whether ZANU PF was repeating past mistakes and whether its resolutions reflected the wishes of ordinary people.
Mliswa Accuses Presidency Of Contradictory Messaging
Chiwenga also called for orderly change guided by party structures and the ZANU PF constitution. He stressed that leaders should serve the public and ensure that party resolutions improve people’s lives.
Mliswa argued that these remarks contradicted Mnangagwa’s message on production and economic development. He also questioned the coordination of the Presidency’s communications team.
Taking aim at presidential speechwriters, Mliswa said that if George Charamba had written both addresses, he had “ceased to be an asset” and become a danger to the State’s messaging. Otherwise, he argued, Chiwenga’s team should be held responsible.
Mliswa concluded by questioning whether Chiwenga should remain in his position if he was irreconcilably opposed to the prevailing order.
The exchange has placed renewed attention on the contrasting messages delivered at the ruling party’s conference. However, Mliswa’s remarks represent his own assessment of Chiwenga’s speech, rather than an official party response.