The ZANU PF Patriotic Vanguard has come out strongly against remarks made by opposition activist Temba Mliswa, dismissing his comments on Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and the ZANU PF Presidium as baseless and misguided.
In a strongly worded statement, the group emphasized that Mliswa, who is not a ZANU PF member, has no standing to dictate or comment on internal party matters. They described his suggestion that Vice President Chiwenga should resign as “a direct attack” on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the appointing authority. The statement praised Chiwenga as a decorated war veteran and loyal cadre who has guided the nation through difficult times, urging that he be respected.
The Patriotic Vanguard accused Mliswa of being a “lone mouthpiece” for a small group of unpopular corrupt individuals opposed to Chiwenga’s strong stance against corruption. The letter reiterated ZANU PF’s position that corruption is the country’s number one enemy to economic progress and noted that the ruling party has consistently campaigned on an anti-corruption platform.
The statement further warned that Mliswa’s criticism of Chiwenga was a calculated attempt to destabilize the party and could soon extend to direct attacks on President Mnangagwa. “Touch not the Presidium. President Mnangagwa’s word is the official position and policy, all of us should follow and toe the line,” the Patriotic Vanguard declared.
With the 2028 elections on the horizon, the group called on ZANU PF members to remain focused and united. They argued that distractions like Mliswa’s remarks only serve opposition interests and weaken the party’s preparations for another victory. The statement highlighted the sacrifices made by party members in securing power and emphasized the need for discipline, loyalty, and dedication to ZANU PF’s programs.
“ZANU PF is not an ordinary organization,” the group stressed. “It is a Revolutionary Party and as such its systems and way can only be understood by Patriots. Stay in your lane and stay out of ZANU PF issues.”
The Patriotic Vanguard concluded with a stern warning to Mliswa, making it clear that the ruling party would not tolerate any attacks on its leadership and will continue prioritizing unity, economic progress, and the fight against corruption as central pillars of its mandate.
