Don’t Shake the Baobab: Retired Generals Tear Into Temba Mliswa Over ‘Disrespect’
By Desmond Nleya and Shelton Muchena| Retired generals and ex-combatants, led by Air Marshal (Retired) Henry Muchena, have issued a blunt warning to Temba Mliswa, accusing him of inflammatory and disrespectful attacks.
In a statement dated 18 March 2026, the group said they were compelled to respond after Mliswa “trivialised” a serious national matter.
“We seldom respond to noise,” they said, “but your remarks crossed the line.”
The clash follows Mliswa’s criticism of their letter to Parliament on Amendment Bill No. 3, which they insist must follow proper constitutional channels.
They dismissed his comments as “misguided, constitutionally illiterate and disrespectful,” and questioned his authority:
“Who gave you the mandate to respond in this manner?”
The generals argued Mliswa holds no official spokesperson role, describing him instead as “an opposition activist” with no standing to address them as he did.
They also condemned remarks allegedly labelling them “bitter” or “jobless”, calling them insulting and beneath serious discourse.
“We served this country with distinction… in the liberation struggle and beyond,” they said, defending their legacy and sacrifices for “one man, one vote”.
The statement ended with a sharp warning:
“We advise you not to repeat it. Ever.”
Citing a proverb, they added:
“When you shake the baobab, be certain you can withstand what falls from it.”
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