By Mugove Tafirenyika
Controversial Norton independent MP, Temba Mliswa, has said he likes President Robert Mugabe so much that he wants to offer the nonagenarian advice on how he can protect his legacy, when they meet.
Speaking to the Daily News on the side-lines of national hero Peter Chanetsa’s burial at the national shrine last weekend — where he made a surprise appearance for the first time since his expulsion from Zanu PF in 2014 — Mliswa said Zimbabweans should appreciate Mugabe for instilling “confidence in blacks to stand up against whites”.
“We must give credit where it is due because the man did a lot for Zimbabweans, especially the black majority by giving them confidence through education,” he said.
The former Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson, who many thought had crossed the floor to join opposition parties after contesting and winning the Norton by-election as an independent candidate, but with the opposition MDC’s backing, revealed that he would advise Mugabe to step down ostensibly to protect his legacy, if he gets the chance.
“If I get the chance to meet him, I will persuade him to step down so that he can have time to write about himself, the liberation struggle and other memoirs,” he said.
“I have always been vocal about the need for leadership renewal in Zanu PF . . . I remain close to people in Zanu PF and I am probably the only person who freely relates with them and opposes them at the same time”.
Zanu PF is currently squabbling over 92-year-old Mugabe’s successor.
Apparently, Mugabe is refusing to relinquish power despite his advanced age and reports of poor health.
Paradoxically though, soon after Mliswa’s election to Parliament as an independent candidate, he immediately announced his intention to challenge Mugabe’s position in 2018.
Following his victory, Mliswa said: “This win is not for Norton residents alone, but for Zimbabweans and it’s a warning to Mugabe that he will lose the 2018 elections just the same way Zanu PF has lost the by-election”.
“I’m the real bull in the kraal. Mugabe sent his small bulls Mnangagwa, (vice president Phelekezela) Mphoko and (Zanu PF commissar Saviour) Kasukuwere and I defeated them. Now I’m going for the biggest bull in their kraal,” he declared. Daily News