Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa has launched a fierce attack on presidential spokesperson George Charamba, accusing him of undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa and calling on him to step down amid growing tensions over Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (CAB3).
By Advent Shoko
The clash was triggered by a social media post from Charamba on Friday in which he shared a video of South African opposition leader Julius Malema warning President Cyril Ramaphosa against ignoring criticism and surrounding himself with advisers who refuse to tell him when he is wrong.
Although Charamba added no explanation to the post, its timing immediately sparked political speculation in Zimbabwe, where debate over CAB3 and President Mnangagwa’s political future has become increasingly heated.
Mliswa, known for his blunt interventions on national politics, said the message could not be dismissed as harmless commentary.
“Charamba, we are not naïve. This is an unequivocal suggestion to the President to disregard the counsel of those around him,” Mliswa said.
“It is long overdue for you to have departed from your post, as your unwavering disservice to your superior has been all too evident.”
In a sharply worded response, Mliswa accused Charamba of repeatedly undermining both Mnangagwa and the office he occupies despite remaining one of the President’s closest communicators.
“Despite his awareness of your character, he made the choice to retain you; yet, you have continued to exhibit an astonishing level of disrespect to him and your mandate,” he said.
“Your actions this time have clearly crossed a line. Who exactly are you attempting to serve?”
Mliswa went further, alleging that politically connected individuals were leaking sensitive information to influence internal power struggles.
“There is a whole cartel that is leaking inside information for nefarious political agendas,” he said.
The controversy centres on a speech by Malema in which the Economic Freedom Fighters leader warned Ramaphosa about the dangers of isolating himself from criticism and relying on unelected power brokers.
“The position you occupy needs someone who’s going to be honest with you because those who failed were told many at times that they are right even when they were wrong,” Malema said.
He also warned Ramaphosa against relying too heavily on wealthy business interests, referencing the Gupta family’s influence during the administration of former South African President Jacob Zuma.
“Once you listen to white monopoly capital, you must know that you are likely not to finish your term,” Malema said in the address shared by Charamba.
Watch the video below.
In Zimbabwe, the video was quickly interpreted through the lens of the country’s own succession politics and the intensifying battle over CAB3.
The proposed constitutional amendment has become one of the most politically sensitive issues inside ZANU-PF and beyond. Critics argue that parts of the proposal could open the door for Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028, despite constitutional term limits.
Supporters of the amendment say the reforms are necessary to strengthen governance and improve the structure of state institutions.
The debate has been fuelled further by recent remarks from Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who referenced the biblical story of King Hezekiah during a speech that many viewed as politically loaded.
Chiwenga said Hezekiah asked God for 15 more years to live, but those years later became disastrous, remarks that triggered fresh speculation over the dangers of extending political leadership beyond its expected end.
While government officials insist CAB3 is not designed to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency, the issue continues to expose deepening divisions within political circles as succession debates increasingly spill into public view.
Responding to Mliswa’s remarks, Charamba laughed insinuating he was dull.
“CHIKORO CHISHOMA; MUNZWIREI TSITSI!!!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣“, he said.
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