Mutsvangwa Accuses Chiwenga Of Political Ambitions After Chinhoyi Speech
Christopher Mutsvangwa has launched a scathing attack on Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga following his controversial speech at ZANU PF’s 23rd Annual National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi on Friday, 16 October 2026. The ruling party spokesperson accused Chiwenga of using the opportunity to introduce President Emmerson Mnangagwa to pursue his own political ambitions. He also used a striking car engine analogy to dismiss the Vice-President’s intervention.
Mutsvangwa Mocks Chiwenga Over ZANU PF Conference Speech
Speaking to The NewsHawks, Mutsvangwa accused Chiwenga of abusing his role at the conference to criticise his superior.
He argued that the Vice-President had used the platform to advance his own political interests rather than focus on the party’s business.
Mutsvangwa said:
“He laboured in vain much like a loose bolt in a car engine. He remained thereafter hoping for follow-up support. None came. He was just shrugged off. No political harvest at all for unrequited political ambition.”
He also accused Chiwenga of pursuing what he described as a “dictatorial aspiration for political power”.
What Chiwenga Said About ZANU PF And Mnangagwa
Chiwenga’s speech raised questions about whether the ruling party was repeating mistakes that led to the 2017 military-assisted transition that removed former President Robert Mugabe from power.
He called for an honest assessment of the party’s direction and questioned whether conference resolutions reflected the wishes of ordinary members.
The Vice-President also stressed that ZANU PF belonged to its members rather than individual leaders, describing those in leadership as temporary custodians.
His remarks have drawn attention to tensions within the ruling party as questions surrounding its succession and leadership continue to feature in political discussions.
Succession Tensions Remain In Focus
Mutsvangwa defended Mnangagwa’s economic agenda, arguing that the President’s Vision 2030 programme would take precedence over what he portrayed as Chiwenga’s political ambitions.
The exchange highlights the competing messages emerging from the party’s senior leadership. However, the remarks alone do not establish the full extent of the divisions within ZANU PF or determine the outcome of its succession contest.
Verification note: The article is based on the supplied News.co.zw report and its attribution of remarks to The NewsHawks. Independent verification of the full speeches and interviews has not been established here.