Mliswa Says ZANU PF Youth League Is Factional, Not About Parliament Independence
- Mliswa dismisses Youth League stance as factional defence
- Questions timing and motives behind rejection of donation
- Links silence to internal ZANU PF tensions and leadership battles
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Harare – Political Faultlines Exposed
Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has sharply criticised the ZANU PF Youth League, accusing it of acting out of factional interests rather than genuine concern for parliamentary independence.
By Advent Shoko
His remarks follow the Youth League’s public rejection of businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s proposed US$3.6 million donation to Parliament, a move the league said could undermine the integrity of State institutions.
“This Is Factional Defence” – Mliswa
Mliswa dismissed the Youth League’s position as politically motivated, arguing it reflects internal party tensions rather than constitutional principle. He said:
“While a naive reading of this scenario can frame the Youth League as protecting the integrity of Parliament this is actually the clearest indication of a factional entity that is frantically fending off what it views as an attack on its ambitions.”
He further questioned the group’s consistency, accusing it of failing to act during previous internal disputes.
“As the vanguard of the party it has been impotent in the past while the party was being seriously destabilised… Yet, it has the guts to comment on propositions… that are still hearsay!”
Timing And Targets Under Scrutiny
Mliswa also criticised the timing of the Youth League’s intervention, noting that the donation has not yet materialised.
“Chivayo has not even donated the said money yet and the Youth League is already throwing tantrums.”
He suggested Parliament, led by Jacob Mudenda, is capable of handling its own affairs without external political pressure.
“Why not allow Parliament to address its own matters… instead of jumping the gun.”
Internal ZANU PF Dynamics
In a more pointed attack, Mliswa linked the issue to broader factional struggles within ZANU PF, referencing tensions involving Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
“Why was it silent when… the VP was plainly undermining his superior the President…?”
He went further, questioning the Youth League’s alignment:
“Either the Youth League is now totally a factional arm… or mutori mbwende henyu.”
Governance Implications
The controversy highlights growing sensitivity around political funding, institutional independence, and internal party cohesion ahead of key legislative debates, including the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill.
While the Youth League framed its stance as a defence of democratic integrity, Mliswa’s intervention underscores a deeper battle, one rooted in power, influence, and control within Zimbabwe’s ruling party.
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