Government spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana said President Emmerson Mnangagwa is not “captured” by “Queen Bee” and makes his own decisions.
He made the remarks in response to a leaked audio conversation making rounds on social media suspected to be between Norton legislator Temba Mliswa and businessman Kuda Tagwirei.
Mangwana could neither deny nor confirm the authenticity of the video recording but was quick to point out the “frustration” shown by Mliswa and Tagwirei proves that Mnangagwa is his own man. Mangwana tweeted:
Listened to audio circulating on Social Media. Whilst its authenticity has not been verified, what stands out is that the parties having a conversation agree that President ED is not captured. He makes his own decisions on merit to the frustration of those with “entitlements”.
In the course of the conversation between Tagwirei and Mliswa, the latter castigates Mnangagwa for not appointing his loyalists to fill positions as cabinet ministers and identifies Lands Minister Anxious Masuku as not deserving the position.
Mliswa also questions Mnangagwa’s wisdom in replacing Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi with Soda Zhemu.
Tagwirei chided fired former Energy Minister Chasi for having an “I know it all attitude” and for being obstinate.
Mliswa also revealed that former Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa is not happy that Mnangagwa overlooked him for a ministerial position.
Mliswa claimed that there are plans to arrest MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa over illegal land deals at Harare City Council.
Towards the end of the recording, Mliswa is heard saying, “My brother (apparently referring to Mnangagwa) is not in control of anything”.