THE REAL STATE OF THE NATION REVEALS ITSELF DURING MNANGAGWA PROPAGANDA ADDRESS

 When the Lights Went Out: Mnangagwa’s SONA Ends in Holy Darkness

By The Village Political Commentator | The Insight Zimbabwe

They say truth is light — but in Zimbabwe, even truth has to wait for ZESA’s schedule.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s much-anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA) took an unexpected turn this week when the lights dramatically went off during the final ten minutes of his speech.

The Real State of the Nation of Zimbabwe  came out the right time as Dambudzo finished his speech in darkness

There he stood, in glorious presidential darkness, continuing to read his notes like Moses in a blackout Mount Sinai — proof that not even divine intervention could keep the lights on for the Second Republic.

As the cameras rolled and generators stuttered, many Zimbabweans watching at home simply nodded knowingly: “Ah, ZESA is just reminding him of his report card.”

Enter Wicknell the ‘Solar Prophet’

Of course, we can’t talk about darkness in Zimbabwe without summoning the ghost of Wicknell Chivayo — the flamboyant preacher of promises and self-anointed apostle of tenders.

Years ago, Wicknell received millions to light up Gwanda with solar energy. The project was supposed to turn the Matabeleland sun into electricity for the nation. Instead, it turned into one of the brightest examples of how the powerful can convert sunlight into shopping sprees.

To this day, the only thing shining in Gwanda is the memory of Wicknell’s designer sunglasses — not a single solar panel to be found.

A Metaphor Too Bright to Miss

So, when ZESA plunged the President into darkness mid-speech, the symbolism couldn’t have been clearer.

It was as if the nation itself whispered, “Mr. President, your light has gone out — both literally and politically.”

The blackout became the perfect metaphor for the energy crisis, the corruption crisis, and the leadership crisis — all neatly wrapped in one unscheduled power cut. Even Mother Nature seemed to conspire in satire.

Power to the People — Literally

While Mnangagwa soldiered on in the dark, perhaps dreaming of Chinese-funded power stations or the ghost of Gwanda Solar, Zimbabweans on Twitter (sorry, X) were already generating their own electricity through laughter.

One user wrote:

 “ZESA did what the opposition failed to do — switch off the regime!”

Another added:

“Even the megawatts have lost confidence.”

Meanwhile, somewhere in Borrowdale, Wicknell was probably posting another sermon about “divine blessings” — under a chandelier that could power half of Masvingo.

Darkness as a Legacy

In the end, the President’s speech may be remembered not for its content, but for its closing scene: a leader talking to a nation in total darkness.

And perhaps that’s fitting. After all, when promises burn out and corruption drains the current, what else is left to say — except, “Goodnight Zimbabwe”?

The Village Political Commentator’s Note:

Until the day Wicknell’s solar panels rise from the dust of Gwanda, let us continue to light our homes — and our democracy — with candles of truth.

“They Burned the Truth, Not the Spirit”: SAPES Trust Bombed Ahead of Anti–Term Extension Conference

 

Dr Ibbo Mandaza Political Scientist and founder of Sapes Trust confirmed the arson on his X account on Monday morning. PHOTO: Social Media

 BY THE VILLAGE POLITICAL COMMENTATOR

A War Against Ideas

The conference, organized by constitutional activists, civic leaders, and opposition representatives, was scheduled to discuss strategies to stop what they describe as a “constitutional coup” — an orchestrated attempt to manipulate Zimbabwe’s supreme law to keep Mnangagwa in power.

SAPES Trust was not just a venue; it was a symbol of intellectual defiance, a home for critical thought and democratic dialogue in a country where both have become endangered species.

By targeting the institution, the perpetrators have not only destroyed property but also declared war on thought itself — on the right of citizens to debate, question, and demand accountability.

A Regime Afraid of Debate

The attack fits a dark pattern. Over the years, civic organizations and independent institutions perceived to be critical of the ruling party have faced surveillance, threats, raids, and arrests. But this bombing marks a new and dangerous escalation — an act of terrorism meant to send fear through Zimbabwe’s civil society.

Yet, if fear was the goal, it may have failed spectacularly.

Dr. Mandaza’s declaration that the press conference will proceed in the burnt-out remains of SAPES Trust has ignited widespread solidarity online and abroad. Activists have called it an act of “intellectual defiance in the face of tyranny.”

The World Is Watching

International observers, journalists, and human rights defenders are already drawing attention to the incident as a symbol of Zimbabwe’s deepening authoritarian crisis. The images of burnt archives, scorched books, and collapsed walls will likely resonate far beyond the country’s borders — a haunting reminder that, in Zimbabwe, the struggle for democracy is being waged with fire and fear.

Expected Speakers and Key Figures

The destroyed conference was to feature a cross-section of Zimbabwe’s most respected constitutional voices and pro-democracy champions:

Dr. Ibbo Mandaza – Political analyst, academic, and director of SAPES Trust, renowned for his bold critique of authoritarianism and his commitment to defending constitutionalism.

Members of civil society organizations and youth movements who continue to push back against creeping authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic values.

Their mission was clear: to reaffirm that the Constitution is not a political accessory but a binding national covenant — one that no leader, however powerful, can rewrite for personal gain.

The Spirit Lives On

As the ashes settle over SAPES Trust, one truth remains: ideas cannot be bombed out of existence.

Dr. Mandaza’s resolve to host the press conference amid the rubble is not merely symbolic — it is an act of resistance, a message to the regime and to the world that Zimbabwe’s conscience is wounded but unbroken.

“You can destroy the building, but not the movement,” wrote one activist on social media.

The world now turns its gaze toward Harare, where a press conference in ruins may well become one of the defining moments in Zimbabwe’s long and painful struggle for constitutionalism.

The Village Political Commentator Speaks

When a regime begins to fear words more than weapons, it tells us everything we need to know about its fragility. They bombed a library of minds, a temple of thought, because the truth has become the new enemy of the state.

But here’s what they don’t understand — you can’t bomb an idea whose time has come. The ashes at SAPES Trust are not a symbol of defeat; they are the glowing embers of a people’s awakening.

Zimbabwe’s rulers may control the guns, the police, and the propaganda, but the people still hold the one thing that cannot be legislated or silenced: the will to remember, to speak, and to resist.

And when Dr. Mandaza stands before the cameras in those ruins, he won’t just be giving a press statement — he’ll be reading Zimbabwe’s living testimony that truth, though bruised, still breathes.

 

Mnangagwa Faces 2030 Agenda Resistance as Opposition Leaders and Civic Society Unite

By The Village Political Commentator
The Insight Zimbabwe | 24 October 2025

Citizens Gather at Sapes Trust to Defend the Constitution

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 Agenda — widely perceived as an attempt to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits — is facing growing resistance from across Zimbabwe’s political and civic spectrum.

Emmerson Mnangagwa is allegedly planning to make constitutional changes to allow him to rule Zimbabwe beyond his legally permitted 10 year presidential term limit ending in 2028

A National Press Conference has been announced under the theme:

“Constitutional Crossroads: Citizens Respond to Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Crisis.”

The event will take place on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at 11am (Zimbabwe time) at Dr Ibbo Mandaza’s Sapes Trust in Harare — a respected policy think tank and home to many democratic dialogues in recent years.

A United Citizens’ Front

The conference will bring together Zimbabwe’s most vocal defenders of democracy: Tendai Biti, Job Sikhala, Jameson Timba, Jacob Ngarivhume, Munyaradzi Gwisai, Obert Masaraure, Emmanuel Sitimai, and Moline Banda, joined by War Veterans and Church Representatives.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Obert Masaraure said:

“Citizens must reclaim the Constitution from those who seek to defile it for political survival. The supreme law belongs to the people — not the ruling elite.”

The 2030 Controversy Explained

Reports emerging from the ZANU-PF Annual Conference suggest that factions within the ruling party are lobbying for a constitutional amendment allowing Mnangagwa to stay in office until 2030 without an election.

Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti called this proposal:

“A betrayal of the 2013 social contract between the people and the state.”

Recently freed opposition leader Job Sikhala vowed to “defend the Constitution with the same courage we defended the people’s vote.”

Sapes Trust: The Symbolic Venue

The choice of Sapes Trust, led by political scientist Dr Ibbo Mandaza, is highly symbolic. The institution has long been a hub for independent policy debate and civic engagement. Hosting this event there reinforces its role as a citizens’ sanctuary for constitutional defense.

Speaker Profiles

• Tendai Biti – Former Finance Minister and senior opposition leader in CCC. Expert in constitutional law and governance.
• Job Sikhala – Veteran MP and human rights defender. Symbol of resistance after enduring 600+ days in detention.
• Jameson Timba – Former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. Advocate for media freedom and institutional reform.
• Jacob Ngarivhume – Transform Zimbabwe leader, known for anti-corruption activism.
• Munyaradzi Gwisai – Labour lawyer, socialist activist, and former MP. Campaigner for workers’ rights.
• Obert Masaraure – ARTUZ President. Unionist and education rights activist.
• Emmanuel Sitimai – Youth advocate promoting constitutional literacy.
• Moline Banda – Gender and community activist amplifying women’s voices.
• War Veterans & Church Representatives – Representing moral authority and the liberation legacy.

                 

Speakers at the Press Conference 

Agenda at the Constitutional Crossroads

The event will focus on:

• Defending the 2013 Constitution from political manipulation
• Reaffirming citizens’ sovereignty
• Protecting freedoms of expression, assembly, and due process
• Building a broad civic coalition to safeguard democracy

Analysts’ Take

Political observers view this as the possible birth of a Citizen’s Constitutional Front, uniting diverse sectors to defend the rule of law. With government tolerance for dissent uncertain, all eyes are on how authorities will react to this civic convergence.

The Village Political Commentator’s View

What happens at Sapes Trust on October 28 could redefine Zimbabwe’s democratic trajectory. When opposition stalwarts, trade unionists, war veterans, and church leaders unite, something deeper than politics is stirring — a collective conscience.

The Constitution is not a ZANU-PF manifesto; it is a people’s covenant, written in hope and sacrifice. As Zimbabwe reaches yet another crossroads, one truth stands tall: those who wrote the Constitution in 2013 are ready to defend it in 2025.

If the voices from Sapes Trust echo beyond Harare’s walls, Mnangagwa’s “Vision 2030” might just meet its first real resistance — from the citizens whose future he claims to build.

The Insight Zimbabwe
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ZANU PF — The Hyena That Accuses Its Cubs of Smelling Like Goats When It Wants to Eat Them

 

ZANU PF — The Hyena That Accuses Its Cubs of Smelling Like Goats When It Wants to Eat Them

By The Village Political Commentator 

When the Hyena Cries ‘Goat’

In our village, elders say a hyena never admits hunger — it simply accuses others of smelling like goats. Once that accusation is made, supper is guaranteed.
And somewhere in Harare, deep within the revolutionary lair of ZANU PF, that wisdom rings true once again.

Zanu PF The Hungry Hyena

The party has just expelled five of its own cubs — among them outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza — for alleged “gross misconduct” and “disloyalty.”
To the ordinary villager, that’s political code for: “We’ve run out of goats, so let’s start sniffing our own.”

The Smell of Suspicion

The Politburo’s chief mouthpiece, Patrick Chinamasa, stepped up and announced the expulsions as if reading a weather report:

“Cloudy with a high chance of disloyalty.”

He accused the expelled members of factionalism, creating WhatsApp groups, and undermining party unity.
Now, in Zimbabwe, creating a WhatsApp group is practically the first step to being labeled a counter-revolutionary.

Those now cast out — Blessed Geza, Kudakwashe Gopo, Victor Manungu, Gifford Gomwe, and Godwin Gomwe — once danced barefoot for the party, chanting slogans until their voices cracked.
But once someone decided they “smelled like goats,” their political fate was sealed.

The Hyena’s Logic

When a hyena wants to eat its cubs, it doesn’t say “I’m hungry.”
It looks at them and says, “You smell like goats.”
And the feast begins.

That is ZANU PF’s method: dress hunger as discipline, cloak purges in patriotism.
Each expulsion is sold as “unity maintenance” — as if unity is a goat stew that requires sacrificing one of the herd to keep the flavor rich.

Blessed Geza’s ‘Goat-Smelling’ Offence

Cde Blessed Geza, a war veteran known for his fiery opinions, has been vocal about corruption, the betrayal of liberation ideals, and factional infighting.
In ZANU PF, that’s a bigger sin than treason — it’s heresy against the feeding order.

The party could not allow such a scent of truth to linger. So the hyena sniffed, growled, and struck.
In its eyes, Blessed Geza didn’t just speak — he reeked of goat.

The Feast Disguised as Discipline

ZANU PF insists this is all about enforcing discipline.
But if discipline truly were the standard, half the Politburo would have been long gone — along with the missing millions from “projects” we never see.

Let’s be honest: the ones still inside are not clean; they just know how to spray political perfume strong enough to hide the goat-smell of dissent.

From the days of Mujuru to Kasukuwere and now Geza, the hyena’s appetite has never changed — only the flavor of the meat.

The Village Lesson

Our elders say: “A hyena cannot guard goats; a hungry hyena cannot share.”
ZANU PF’s repeated purges show it feeds not only on its rivals but also on its own flesh.
Each expulsion is another bite of itself — a self-cannibalizing feast disguised as party discipline.

The day will come when the hyena, starving and dizzy, will start chewing its own tail, still accusing it of smelling like goat.

From my mud veranda, sipping sweet beer under the msasa tree, I can only shake my head and say:

“In ZANU PF, loyalty is a goat tethered too close to a hungry hyena — silent or noisy, it will still be eaten.”

Final Thought

ZANU PF once promised to protect its own, to reward loyalty and service.
Now, it protects only its appetite.
Like a true hyena, it laughs loudly in the night — not from joy, but from fullness.

And tomorrow, when another comrade is expelled for “indiscipline,” remember this proverb from the village:

“The hyena that accuses its cubs of smelling like goats has simply grown hungry again.”

A Mortal Wound: The Planned Mutilation of Zimbabwe’s Constitution for One Man’s Ambition

By The Village Political Commentator

Area 51 -A Mortal Wound: The Planned Mutilation of Zimbabwe’s Constitution for One Man’s Ambition

Read this document here 

shorturl.at/o1pCg

The Zimbabwean constitution, born from a hard-fought national referendum in 2013, was far from perfect. Yet, it represented a collective aspiration for a new democratic dawn, a deliberate break from a history of executive overreach and personalised rule. Today, that foundational document lies on the operating table, with the instruments of political surgery sharpened not to heal, but to mutilate. The goal? To surgically remove the constitutional term limits that stand between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and power beyond 2030.

A recently drafted bill, authored by an exiled Zimbabwean Political Science Professor, lays out the blueprint for this constitutional coup. It is a chillingly pragmatic document that exposes not a vision for national development, but a naked ambition for lifelong presidency, cloaked in the flimsy guise of legalism.

The Facade of "Alignment" and the Reality of Power Consolidation

The proposed bill, as analysed from the linked document, uses the technical language of "alignment" and "legal housekeeping" as a smokescreen. Its central, and most damning, proposal is the amendment of Section 91, which currently stipulates that a person is disqualified from election as President if they have already held office for two terms. The bill seeks to cunningly reset the term clock, proposing that the count of terms should only begin after the constitution's commencement.

This is not a minor technical adjustment; it is a deliberate and cynical manipulation. It would effectively erase President Mnangagwa’s current tenure from the record, granting him the ability to run for two fresh five-year terms. A man who should be a lame duck by 2030 could potentially rule until 2040. This move has a stale, familiar odour—it is the same tactic employed by dictators across the continent to subvert the will of the people and cling to power indefinitely.

Exploiting a Manufactured Majority

The bill’s drafters are acutely aware of the legal hurdles. Amending term limits requires a supermajority in parliament followed by a national referendum. The strategy, as outlined, is to leverage ZANU-PF’s current parliamentary dominance to bulldoze the amendment through. This exposes a critical flaw in Zimbabwean democracy: a constitution is only as strong as the respect its custodians afford it. When the ruling party views the supreme law not as a constraint on power but as an obstacle to be dismantled, the entire social contract crumbles.

The promise of a referendum is a hollow one. It will be conducted in a climate of fear, with state media acting as a propaganda arm, and the shadow of violence and intimidation looming over the electorate. The 2018 and 2023 elections have already demonstrated the regime’s proficiency in manipulating electoral outcomes. A referendum on a matter so central to the President’s personal interests would be nothing short of a staged legitimisation of a pre-determined result.

The Ghost of Mugabe and the Betrayal of "The New Dispensation"

When Emmerson Mnangagwa took power in 2017, he promised a "New Dispensation." He spoke of opening democratic space, respecting the rule of law, and moving away from the autocratic model of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe. This planned amendment is the final, unequivocal proof that the "New Dispensation" was a lie. Mnangagwa is not breaking from Mugabe’s legacy; he is perfecting it. Where Mugabe used overt coercion and a personality cult, Mnangagwa seeks to achieve the same ends through a veneer of constitutional process—a more insidious, but no less dangerous, form of authoritarianism.

It is a profound betrayal of the citizens who dared to hope for change. It signals that the political playing field will remain permanently tilted, that state institutions will continue to serve the interests of one man and one party, and that the generational change so desperately needed is being systematically blocked.

The International and Domestic Fallout

Internationally, this move will cement Zimbabwe’s pariah status. It will signal to potential investors and global partners that the country’s governance framework is unstable, subject to the whims of an incumbent, and fundamentally high-risk. No one invests in a country where the rules of the game are rewritten mid-match to favour one player.

Domestically, the consequences will be even more dire. It will deepen political polarisation, extinguish the hopes of the opposition, and fuel public apathy and disillusionment. By closing the only peaceful, constitutional path to alternation of power, the regime is making extra-constitutional and potentially violent responses more likely in the long run. It is a recipe for sustained instability and conflict.

Conclusion: A Line in the Sand

The proposed amendment to the Zimbabwean constitution is not a simple political manoeuvre. It is a mortal wound to the nation’s democratic future. It represents the triumph of personal ambition over the national interest, of cynical legalism over genuine rule of law.

Zimbabweans, and all who care about democracy in Africa, must recognise this move for what it is: a constitutional mutilation designed to crown a president for life. The fight to stop it must be waged in parliament, in the courts, in the media, and in the streets. To remain silent is to be complicit in the entrenchment of a new dynasty. The term limit is a line in the sand; if it is erased, the floodgates of absolute rule will open once more, and the dream of a democratic Zimbabwe will recede even further into the horizon.

Activist Madzibaba Veshanduko Arrested on Incitement Charges

Truth | Accountability | Democrac

October 23, 2025 | Harare, 

Godfrey Karembera the only man who marched when war Veteran Blessed Geza called for a 1 Million Man march against what he termed "Corruption by Zvigananda" has been arrested. 

Prominent CCC supporter Godfrey Karembera detained following police manhunt; case highlights tense political climate

By The Insight Zimbabwe News Desk

HARARE – Outspoken political activist Godfrey Karembera, widely known by his moniker “Madzibaba Veshanduko,” is in police custody after a days-long manhunt, a development that has sent ripples through Zimbabwe’s political landscape and drawn attention to the state’s handling of dissent.

Karembera, 47, was arrested on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, according to police sources. He was wanted alongside fellow activist Kudzai Weston Saruwaka for allegedly distributing flyers in the high-density suburbs of Machipisa, Glen View, and Budiriro.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) contends that the flyers were intended to incite public participation in unsanctioned protests scheduled for 17 October, actions directed against the rule of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

A Chase and Serious Charges

In an official statement, the ZRP detailed that the two activists allegedly fled during a high-speed chase after being spotted distributing the material. They now face charges of contravening Section 187 (Inciting Public Violence) as read with Section 36 (Public Violence) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The use of these legal provisions frames the act of distributing flyers not as political expression, but as a potential criminal offence, a point of contention among civil society groups.

“This is a clear case of criminalising dissent,” said a representative from a local human rights NGO who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The state is using broad legal statutes to silence opposition voices and discourage any form of mobilisation.”

A History of Targeting

Karembera is a well-known grassroots activist and fervent supporter of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa. His arrest is the latest chapter in a history of confrontations with authorities.

In April of this year, his home in Guruve was firebombed in a terrifying attack that left his 17-year-old son with injuries sustained while rescuing his younger siblings. No arrests have been made in connection with that attack.

In 2022, Karembera was arrested for allegedly calling police officers “dogs” and for the act of wearing yellow clothing, a colour strongly associated with the opposition movement.

Allegations of Private Sector Involvement

Adding a complex layer to the case, unverified claims circulating on social media suggest the involvement of a private security firm in the police pursuit. Saruwaka has allegedly accused Tafadzwa Chidawa, the CEO of Matrix Security Services, of approaching the police with an offer to assist in the arrest of the two activists in pursuit of a business deal.

These allegations have not been independently verified by The Insight Zimbabwe or any other mainstream media outlet at this time. Attempts to reach Matrix Security Services for comment were unsuccessful.

A Symbolic Arrest

The arrest of a figure as prominent as “Madzibaba Veshanduko” carries significant symbolic weight. Analysts suggest it serves as a stark signal to other activists about the risks of grassroots mobilisation, particularly as the nation’s political temperature remains high.

“Karembera’s detention is a robust example of how political activism in Zimbabwe remains fraught with risk,” noted a political analyst. “It raises critical questions about the blurring lines between state and private security in political policing and the fragility of the space for civic participation.”

Unanswered Questions

Key details surrounding the case remain unclear. The precise content of the flyers and the evidence linking them to planned, unsanctioned protests have not been made public. The exact circumstances of Karembera's arrest by "government agents" also warrant clarification. Furthermore, the current status of his alleged accomplice, Kudzai Weston Saruwaka, is uncertain, with conflicting reports on whether he remains at large or is also in custody.

As the legal process unfolds, the case of Godfrey Karembera stands as a critical test for procedural fairness, judicial transparency, and the state’s tolerance for political opposition in Zimbabwe.

The Insight Zimbabwe will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.

Mliswa Calls for the Axing of Chiwenga, Charamba and Others from Mnangagwa’s Government

 Mliswa Calls for the Axing of Chiwenga, Charamba and Others from Mnangagwa’s Government

By The Village Political Commentator

IN TROUBLE: George Charamba the Presidential Spokesperson accused by Mnangagwa's motor mouth blue eyed boy Temba Mliswa for failing to defend the President from General Chiwenga's corruption accusations 

Former Independent legislator now Sabhuku (Village Head) and outspoken ZANU PF critic Temba Mliswa has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to purge his government and party structures of what he describes as “moles, putschist fence-sitters and sellouts” — in an explosive social media statement that takes aim at Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba, and other senior officials.

In a lengthy thread titled “Sabhuku’s Eye: Moles, Putschist Fence-Sitters and ED’s Need to Go Bold,” Mliswa accused elements within Mnangagwa’s inner circle of plotting against the President and undermining party unity.

“It has been clear to all and sundry that there were ongoing efforts to usurp ED, especially after the passing of Resolution Number 1 in Bulawayo,” Mliswa wrote. “Only those advancing the putschist agenda and the stoically stupid would try to argue that the Presidium has been in unison. It has not.”

Mliswa’s Call for a Purge

Mliswa urged Mnangagwa to act decisively, saying the President should “get his own people into government and chuck sellouts out.”

He accused Vice President Chiwenga of harbouring ambitions to “grab the top post” and alleged that some state officials and media figures had been “arming wild desperadoes” to destabilise the administration.

“VP Chiwenga has failed to nurture patience so as to wait for his turn with humbleness and obedience as ED did after 2004,” Mliswa charged, referencing Mnangagwa’s long wait to rise through the party ranks.

The former Norton MP said Charamba and other “long-serving insiders” had emerged “tainted” from what he described as a growing web of intrigue, leaks, and power struggles within the ruling elite.

“Some who have been long in the system, like George Charamba, have emerged from this scandal with very tainted names,” he wrote, further calling for the resignation of the Vice President’s wife from the military, describing her as a “politically exposed person.”

Leaks, Moles and Treasonous Efforts

Mliswa claimed that intelligence leaks, including from ZANU PF’s Central Committee and Politburo, were evidence of deep divisions and infiltration at the highest levels of government.

He alleged that there were individuals “sitting on the fence waiting to jump to the safest side” while leaking sensitive information to undermine the President’s authority.

“Multiple leaks revealed moles inside the system,” Mliswa said, citing even personal breaches such as the leaking of his own passport and boarding pass.

He argued that President Mnangagwa now faces a critical moment to “clean up his system” and remove all who had shown disloyalty, warning that failure to do so could “nurture people who were working against him.”

A Contrast in Leadership Styles

In a reflective tone, Mliswa contrasted Mnangagwa’s long political patience during the Mugabe era with what he described as Chiwenga’s “hasty and reckless” behaviour.

“It’s one thing to be celebrated by social media, mainly opposition people in the diaspora, and another to build a support base within the party,” Mliswa wrote. “His machinations should have centred on building from the inside, not grandstanding to those outside.”

He argued that the ruling party was now at a crossroads — needing a generational shift while maintaining internal discipline and unity around Mnangagwa’s leadership.

“Liberation heroes have had their time,” he said. “There’s nothing shocking about seeing a new breed of leaders such as Kuda Tagwirei emerging. Four decades after independence, the persuasion to change the guard is reasonable.”

A Political Tightrope for Mnangagwa

Political analysts say Mliswa’s statements reflect growing unease within ZANU PF’s ranks, as factionalism and succession tensions resurface ahead of the 2028 elections.

While Mnangagwa has maintained public composure, his administration has been dogged by speculation of a widening rift between him and his deputy — a rivalry that echoes the bitter Mujuru-Mnangagwa power struggle of 2014.

Mliswa’s intervention, though couched as advice, amounts to a public demand for Mnangagwa to act against senior members of his own government, risking further internal divisions if not handled delicately.

“As for the President, many have shown their colours and inability to do the principled thing, and should simply be made to walk,” Mliswa concluded. “Unlike Yeats’ upended scenario of passionate evildoers, here we carry the same conviction to remedy the wrongs.”

Whether President Mnangagwa heeds Mliswa’s advice or opts for a quieter political balancing act remains to be seen — but the outspoken MP’s latest salvo has once again laid bare the undercurrents of distrust shaping ZANU PF’s inner politics.

Feuding ZANU PF Activists Clash Online Over Who Deserves Arrest First

HARARE — Feuding ZANU PF Activists Clash Online Over Who Deserves Arrest First

By The Village Political Commentator 

Chaos erupted in the ruling ZANU PF party’s online corridors this week after two of its well-known activists, Kudzai Saruwaka and Tafadzwa Chidawa, exchanged verbal blows on social media — each accusing the other of criminal activity and demanding immediate police action.

Zanu PF Activists one loyal to zvigananda faction Chidawa and one loyal to the Hubvanzu hubvanzu kudya kwemhumhi faction Saruwaka fight over who should the captured police arrest first!

The drama began when Saruwaka questioned the legality of MATRIX, an organization reportedly run by Chidawa, which allegedly uses a military-style syllabus designed to “remove the civilian mindset” from ordinary citizens. Saruwaka, in his self-appointed role as digital watchdog, called on @PoliceZimbabwe to “investigate now,” describing the program as “abuse to citizens who didn’t volunteer to join the military.”

His tweet sent shockwaves through ZANU PF social media circles, with party supporters unsure whether to clap, report, or retweet.

Not one to be outdone, Chidawa swiftly replied, instructing Saruwaka to “just go to the nearest police station and file a report.” He accused his rival of being part of a plot funded by “drug lords” and mocked him for “exposing himself too soon.”

Ironically, both men have had brushes with the law before. Chidawa has been arrested multiple times in connection with his controversial MATRIX project, while Saruwaka himself is reportedly on the police wanted list for distributing anti-government flyers. Political observers say it is now a race to see who will be arrested first — or who will tweet about it faster.

Analysts describe the exchange as a glimpse into ZANU PF’s new internal culture, where activists no longer wait for opposition to fight; they simply fight each other online, armed with hashtags and accusations.

“This is the first time in history that ZANU PF members have publicly competed for police attention,” joked one commentator. “It’s like watching two people trying to call 911 on each other using the same phone.”

As the feud rages on, citizens have been left both entertained and bewildered. While the two activists trade insults and arrest threats, the nation continues to wonder who is actually running the show — or if the MATRIX syllabus has already removed everyone’s sense of irony.

Police sources, when asked for comment, reportedly sighed and said, “We’re still trying to figure out which comrade to arrest first.”

Madagascar coup leader Randrianirina sworn in as president

 ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – Madagascar’s coup leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as president on Friday, after the military took power in the island nation this week following youth-led protests that forced Andry Rajoelina to flee.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina the newly sworn in Madagascar president.

Rajoelina, whom lawmakers impeached after he fled abroad at the weekend, has condemned the takeover and refused to step down despite widespread defections in the security forces.

The African Union and the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have condemned the coup, which came after weeks of “Gen Z” protests.

“I will fully, completely, and justly fulfil the high responsibilities of my position as President of the Republic of Madagascar,” Randrianirina said in a ceremony at the High Constitutional Court.

“I swear that I will exercise the power entrusted to me and dedicate all my strength to defending and strengthening national unity and human rights,” he added.

Randrianirina said earlier that the military had taken power and dissolved all institutions except the lower house of parliament, or National Assembly.

He also said that a committee led by the military would rule for up to two years alongside a transitional government before organising new elections.

Randrianirina was a commander in the elite CAPSAT army unit that played a role in the 2009 coup that brought Rajoelina to power but broke ranks with him last week, urging soldiers not to fire on protesters.

Madagascar’s population of about 30 million people has an average age of less than 20 years. Three-quarters of the people live in poverty. Between its independence in 1960 and 2020, GDP per capita plunged 45 percent, according to the World Bank. – Reuters

Zimbabwe Power Fights:Who will win,The Croc or The Baboon?

 By The Village Political Commentator

BVUKURURU- In the shadowy corridors of Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu PF party, a high-stakes drama is unfolding that could reshape the nation's political landscape. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, often dubbed "the Crocodile" for his cunning survival instincts, is locked in a fierce internal battle with his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a former military strongman who helped orchestrate the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power.

General Constantino Chiwenga aka Gudo Guru

 
At the heart of this conflict is Mnangagwa's apparent ambition to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional two-term limit ending in 2028, potentially sailing through to 2030 or even a disguised third term. Chiwenga's camp, backed by elements of the military and war veterans, is pushing back hard, viewing this as a betrayal of the post-coup agreement that positioned Chiwenga as the natural successor.

 
While the fights may seem like political fiction to outsiders, they are rooted in real tensions that have analysts divided on who will emerge victorious.

The roots of this rift trace back to the 2017 military intervention that ousted Robert Mugabe. Mnangagwa ascended to the presidency with Chiwenga's backing, but whispers of an unspoken pact—that Mnangagwa would serve one or two terms before handing over—have since soured into open hostility. By 2023, Mnangagwa secured re-election amid controversy, but his allies began floating the "ED2030" slogan, tying his extended rule to Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 economic blueprint. This move, critics argue, is a thinly veiled attempt to amend the constitution and cling to power, sidelining Chiwenga and elevating figures like businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as potential heirs.

Emmerson Mnangagwa current Zimbabwean President wants to rule beyond his term limit and planning to leave Kudakwashe Tagwirei in power.

 Political analyst Vivid Gwede notes that Tagwirei's rise has provoked ire from Chiwenga's allies, who see it as Mnangagwa's strategy to "crush" his deputy's presidential dreams.

Recent escalations have brought the feud into sharp relief. In September 2025, Chiwenga presented a explosive seven-page dossier to the Zanu PF presidium, accusing Mnangagwa's inner circle of manipulating party structures, looting public funds, and pushing an unconstitutional term The document, leaked to the media, lambasted the "ED2030" agenda as corrupt and divisive, warning of potential instability. Mnangagwa's response was swift and brutal. During an October 15, 2025, politburo meeting, he unleashed a counterattack through legal affairs secretary Ziyambi Ziyambi, branding Chiwenga's report as "treasonous" and hinting at violations of the Official Secrets Act.

 Ziyambi even suggested reorientation courses at the Chitepo School of Ideology for the entire politburo, underscoring the deep mistrust. This tit-for-tat has spilled into public view, with clashes at events like the National Heroes Acre burial and warnings from figures like former MP Temba Mliswa that Chiwenga could face expulsion at the ongoing Mutare conference.

Analysts offer a mixed prognosis on the outcome. Eldred Masunungure, a University of Zimbabwe lecturer, argues that Mnangagwa's faction holds the upper hand due to superior resources and control over party machinery. He dismisses Chiwenga's war veterans' backing as outdated, likening them to "political dinosaurs" outmatched by Mnangagwa's "Young Turks" and their financial muscle.

 Jealousy Mawarire echoes this, predicting the Mutare conference could seal Chiwenga's fate, as Mnangagwa has systematically sidelined his allies since consolidating power post-2017.

 Yet, others see vulnerabilities in Mnangagwa's camp. Gwede highlights Chiwenga's enduring military loyalties, forged during the liberation war and the 2017 coup, as a potential game-changer.

Reports of military letters decrying corruption and Mnangagwa's cancellation of a UN trip suggest internal pressures mounting against him.

Opposition voices, like those from the Citizens' Coalition for Change, urge staying out of the fray, warning that Zanu PF's infighting could destabilize the country

In my view, Mnangagwa's cunning has allowed him to navigate crises before, but this time he may have overplayed his hand. His push for extension ignores a weary populace fed up with economic woes and governance failures, as evidenced by protests and analyst warnings of regional spillover.

 Chiwenga's camp, with its security sector ties, holds the wildcard—the army has been Zimbabwe's kingmaker since 1975.

 If push comes to shove, as in the leaked threats of coups or impeachments, Chiwenga's faction could prevail, especially if Mnangagwa's corruption scandals erode his base further.

 However, Mnangagwa's control of state institutions and international maneuvering—courting Beijing while Chiwenga eyes New Delhi—gives him an edge in the short term.

Ultimately, I lean toward Mnangagwa sailing through to 2030, not through strength but through division: his Machiavellian tactics of pitting factions against each other could delay a reckoning, even if it means a hollow victory.

Zimbabwe deserves better than this endless cycle of elite squabbles. As analysts like Masunungure warn, these power games risk broader instability, with mass immigration and economic collapse as collateral.

 Whether Chiwenga's camp triumphs or Mnangagwa endures, the real losers are ordinary Zimbabweans, trapped in a narrative of betrayal and ambition that shows no signs of abating. The Mutare conference may provide clues, but the storm is far from over.