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War Veteran Defends Gen Chiwenga As Zanu PF Infighting Continues<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 A faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), led by chairperson Ethan Mathibela, has come out in support of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, rejecting growing calls for his resignation.<\/p>\n
The intervention follows remarks by former ZANU-PF provincial chairperson Temba Mliswa, who accused Chiwenga of undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa and urged him to step down.
Mliswa alleged that the Vice President was echoing opposition rhetoric and engaging in what he described as strategic messaging aimed at subtly challenging the ruling party\u2019s stance on constitutional changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor one so close to the President to resort to this is diplomatically gross and strategically poor,\u201d Mliswa said. \u201cHe should resign and then canvass for support elsewhere if he disagrees with the direction of the party.\u201d<\/p>\n
The dispute stems from Chiwenga\u2019s recent appearance at a Roman Catholic gathering in Murewa, where he reflected on the biblical story of King Hezekiah. In the account, the king is warned of his impending death but, after prayer, is granted 15 more years of life\u2014years that later come with unintended consequences.<\/p>\n
Political observers have interpreted the message as a subtle critique of efforts to amend the Constitution, which some believe could extend Mnangagwa\u2019s tenure.<\/p>\n
Responding to the backlash, Mathibela dismissed the calls for resignation, describing them as baseless and inconsistent with constitutional principles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association notes with concern recent public statements calling for the resignation of Honourable Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, premised solely on his participation in, and sharing of, a church sermon rooted in biblical teachings,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He stressed that constitutional rights apply equally to all citizens, including those in high office. \u201cSections 58, 60 and 61 guarantee freedom of assembly and association, freedom of conscience and religion, and freedom of expression, respectively.<\/p>\n
These rights are not selectively applied; they extend to every citizen, including public officials,\u201d Mathibela explained.
Mathibela further argued that holding a senior government position does not strip an individual of personal freedoms. \u201cThe mere fact that the Vice President occupies high office does not curtail his right to worship, to reflect and to share his faith. To suggest otherwise is to advance a dangerous and unconstitutional doctrine,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that participation in religious activities cannot reasonably be treated as misconduct or grounds for stepping down. According to Mathibela, calls for resignation in a constitutional democracy must be anchored on clear violations such as illegality or failure to perform official duties, rather than personal expressions of faith.<\/p>\n
His remarks highlight deepening divisions within ZANU-PF, as internal disagreements continue to surface over leadership and constitutional reform.<\/p>\n
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