HARARE – Outspoken Zanu-PF activist and businessman Acie Lumumba has lashed out at former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa, describing him as an “institutional termite” whose conduct led to his expulsion from the ruling Zanu-PF party.
In remarks directed at the outspoken politician, Lumumba said Mliswa’s political style was built on theatrics rather than substance.
“This man mistakes raising his voice for raising logic,” Lumumba charged.
“He was once ousted by Zanu-PF for this very reason. Zanu-PF does not want to see him because of his funny character. He operates on a very simple formula: raise your voice, raise it very high, so that people will think it is substance.”
Lumumba went further, branding Mliswa as “the biggest flip-flopper in Zimbabwean politics.” He argued that the former ruling party provincial chairperson had developed a reputation for being destructive rather than constructive.
“Give me one person who actually thinks Temba Mliswa is decent,” Lumumba said. “ZANU PF fired Temba Mliswa. Why? He is an institutional termite.”
Mliswa, who has been at the centre of multiple political controversies, was expelled from Zanu-PF in 2015 amid internal factional battles.
Since then, he has often positioned himself as an independent voice, winning the Norton constituency in 2018. He was, however, defeated by opposition Citizens Coalition for Change member Richard Tsvangirai in 2023.
The remarks from Lumumba come at a time when Mliswa is embroiled in a fresh storm following the leak of a private audio recording in which he allegedly claimed that fuel mogul Kudakwashe Tagwirei has captured the military and is being groomed as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s successor.
“Mnangagwa will leave someone he trusts to look after his interests, and that’s Kuda. There is no coup that will ever happen in Zimbabwe. Just check, military bosses were given 100 cars. Those are Kuda’s cars,” Mliswa is heard saying in the audio.
The recording, released by businessman Agrippa “Bopela” Masiyakurima, has fueled heated debate within political circles and social media.
Mliswa has accused Masiyakurima of betrayal and insisted that the audio was selectively edited to damage his reputation.
“As for you Bopela, I considered you a brother and friend and tried to help. We ate and took children to school together. Unfortunately you had other ideas to please who I don’t know.
“Next time, leak the whole conversation, not what you think are favourable portions,” Mliswa wrote on X.
Mnangagwa and his Deputy Constantino Chiwenga are currently locked in a fierce succession dispute amid allegations that the incumbent is planning to sideline the former Army General.
Recent reports alleged that Mliswa was paid by Tagwirei and Mnangagwa to run a smear campaign against Chiwenga.
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