HARARE – Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has ignited a fierce political conflict by launching a scathing assault on Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, whom he derided as merciless, illiterate, and a political legal responsibility.
The former cupboard minister, whose personal presidential aspirations are well-known, seemingly perceives Chiwenga as a stumbling block to his ambitions.
In a phone interview with Maynard Manyowa, printed by Dug Up, Mutsvangwa unleashed his criticisms, questioning Chiwenga’s battle credentials and suitability for management.
Mutsvangwa additionally claimed that Chiwenga desperately needed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s blessings to succeed him when his time period formally ends in 2028.
This, in response to Mutsvangwa, would successfully remove different potential candidates.
“This individual sought presidential endorsement, aiming to inherit the presidency,” Mutsvangwa acknowledged.
“He desired to oust the president, yet simultaneously sought his appointment as successor. How can such a contradiction be reconciled? (Robert) Mugabe once suggested he would nominate his successor, but President Mnangagwa insists on electoral processes. This aligns with democratic principles.”
With Zanu-PF’s elective congress scheduled for 2027, forward of the 2028 common elections, Mutsvangwa dismissed Chiwenga’s possibilities of securing the occasion’s nomination and, subsequently, the presidency.
He argued that Chiwenga’s previous actions, together with the arrest of his former spouse Mary Mubaiwa and the denial of her medical therapy, have alienated feminine voters.
“Imagine, women constitute over half of the electorate, and he has inflicted severe cruelty upon his former wife, denying her access to her children,” Mutsvangwa asserted. He claimed that whereas Mnangagwa sought to pardon Mubaiwa, Chiwenga vehemently opposed it.
“His actions exude cruelty toward women nationwide. He is unelectable. He opposes elections, yet the president has challenged him to seek the party’s mandate, despite his considerable baggage,” he added.
Mutsvangwa additional slammed Chiwenga, saying he lacked formal schooling.
“To identify an uneducated Shona speaker, present them with the letter ‘l,’” Mutsvangwa acknowledged.
“The ‘r’ sound is innate, while ‘l’ is acquired through education. Thus, he never progressed beyond basic literacy.”
“Wartime service does not excuse illiteracy,” he continued. “Some veterans pursued education post-war. Commanding an army while illiterate is unacceptable. How can one lead an educated army while lacking education?”
Mutsvangwa additionally claimed, opposite to accounts from troopers, that Chiwenga performed no position within the Democratic Republic of Congo battle.
“He was excluded from command during Zimbabwe’s deployment to the DRC. He has no knowledge of that war,” Mutsvangwa alleged.
According to ZimLive, Chiwenga is “absolutely furious” about Mutsvangwa’s feedback and intends to demand motion towards him throughout Monday’s assembly with Mnangagwa.
Zanu-PF is at the moment rocked by inside divisions linked to succession disputes. Mnangagwa is allegedly planning to lengthen his time period of workplace past 2028.
The occasion’s Secretary for Legal Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, on Sunday, revealed that Zanu-PF is engaged on implementing Resolution Number One, which goals to lengthen Mnangagwa’s time period in workplace till 2030.
According to Chinamasa, the occasion believes Mnangagwa’s management has been useful for the nation, they usually need him to finish his developmental initiatives.
To obtain this, the occasion might want to amend the nationwide Constitution, which at the moment limits the president to 2 phrases.
Chinamasa defined that the occasion will maintain consultations with key stakeholders, together with the Politburo and Central Committee, to find out the perfect strategy for amending the Constitution.
If the proposal is accredited, the occasion will direct the Government to provoke the constitutional modification by means of Parliament.
“Once we have now a transparent plan, together with consultations with the Politburo and Central Committee, and if the Central Committee approves, we’ll instruct the Government to amend the Constitution by means of Parliament.
“As for the President’s determination, don’t concern yourselves with whether or not he accepts or declines. That is his prerogative.
If the decision is handed and the Constitution is amended, it should be as much as him to make your mind up. We is not going to be concerned, and I doubt he’ll seek the advice of us. If he does, we shall be lucky,” Chinamasa acknowledged.
Mnangagwa has, nevertheless, continually acknowledged that he doesn’t wish to proceed as President past 2028. He mentioned the occasion would select the subsequent chief on the Congress in 2027. He didn’t endorse Chiwenga as his successor.
