VP Chiwenga is Not a Power-Hungry Politician

By Desmond Nleya
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has once again found himself at the centre of political debate, with critics quick to label his remarks on corruption as mere political gimmickry. Such claims are not only laughable but must be dismissed outright, for they often come from the very individuals entrenched in corruption and determined to turn Zimbabwe into a dynasty of cartels draining national coffers.
Rumours have circulated that VP Chiwenga recently confronted not the President himself but elements within the system over corruption. That act alone is the mark of a loyal cadre—someone willing to speak truth within party structures rather than grandstanding in the media. Unlike others who seek personal glory, Chiwenga raised the matter directly at ZANU-PF platforms, showing respect for both the President and the people.
Instead of commending such boldness, detractors have twisted the narrative, painting him as power-hungry.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
If Chiwenga were truly driven by ambition, history has shown he had multiple opportunities to seize power but chose loyalty instead. During the "Operation Restore Legacy," it was the General who stood firm and even reached out to President Mnangagwa when circumstances forced him out of the country. That is not the action of a man hungry for power, but of a patriot devoted to unity.
Figures such as Christopher Mutsvangwa, Temba Mliswa, and even the President have made remarks saying people accusing ‘zvigananda’ should go and report to the police. To ordinary Zimbabweans and struggling civil servants, such statements are insulting. How can the police be expected to act when the very people are seen moving with the President in his presidential jets? The same people donating flashy cars and millions of dollars without accountability in a country where citizens are restricted to meagre weekly withdrawals of just $1000?
Corruption in Zimbabwe is not just a political problem—it is a national security threat. For leaders to downplay it, or worse, to defend corrupt individuals, is a betrayal of the people.
Critics like Mutsvangwa, who once fled to South Africa during critical moments of the liberation struggle, have no moral authority to diminish Chiwenga. His history as a liberation fighter and as a defender of the nation cannot be erased. Unlike others whose personal achievements are clouded by opportunism, Chiwenga’s record remains intact.
When detractors dismiss him as “not a superstar,” they fail to see that he is indeed a superstar of the people. His loyalty, service, and willingness to confront corruption from within are proof of his patriotism.
For the record, the only thing we know of Chris in the war is that he came back with Monica his girlfriend. That’s his only legacy.
It is disturbing to see the President align himself with individuals who openly boast with arrogance—statements like “ndakachibata kuti dzwii”—and even carry them on the presidential jet. Such associations signal deep state capture and weaken the fight against corruption.
Instead of sidelining Chiwenga or painting him as an ambitious rival, ZANU-PF should return to the drawing board and tackle corruption decisively. The Vice President is not a threat to power but a loyal servant who desires progress for Zimbabwe. His stand on corruption must not be viewed through the lens of succession politics but as a wake-up call to save the nation from further decay.
VP Chiwenga is not power-hungry. He is a patriot who has consistently put the interests of the country first. His courage to confront corruption within party structures is a sign of loyalty to both the President and the people of Zimbabwe. Instead of vilifying him, Zimbabwe should commend him for taking a firm stand against the rot threatening the nation’s future.