Vice President and acting president Constantino Chiwenga has delivered a strong rebuke against corrupt individuals, often referred to as “Mbinga” in Zimbabwe, accusing them of undermining the country’s founding principles.
Speaking during the funeral of national hero Justin Mupamhanga at the National Heroes Acre on Monday, Chiwenga criticized politically connected businessmen, describing them as “zvigananda” (leeches) who exploit the nation’s resources for personal gain. He vowed that the government would take decisive action against such practices.
Chiwenga emphasized that Zimbabwe was built on principles of equality and inclusivity, with the vision of creating opportunities for all citizens, not a select few benefiting from corruption and looting.
“We all swore to a shared future in which everyone had a place on the table, a place in the sun, for a culture of equal opportunity where every Zimbabwean served in equal measure,” Chiwenga stated.
He condemned the greed displayed by some wealthy individuals, adding: “Zveubvanzu ubvanzu kudya kwemhumi takazviramba. Our Vision 2030 is for all of us, kwete dzamunoti mbinga, kuhondo taizviti zvigananda—those who grow big tummies through ill-gotten wealth and questionable morals.”
The term “mbinga” has become a widely recognized reference to affluent individuals, often businesspeople, suspected of accumulating their wealth through unethical or corrupt practices, such as exploiting public resources or engaging in dubious deals. The phrase is often used critically to highlight the disparity between such individuals and ordinary citizens.
Chiwenga’s remarks reflect growing frustration among Zimbabweans over corruption and economic inequality. Many citizens believe that politically connected elites are undermining national progress by diverting resources meant to benefit the broader population.
The Vice President reiterated that Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to achieve an upper-middle-income economy within the decade, must include all citizens equally. He stressed that a culture of fairness and integrity is essential for the nation to prosper.
Chiwenga’s condemnation comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to address corruption and promote accountability. However, critics argue that significant challenges remain in tackling entrenched networks of corruption.
As Zimbabwe continues its path toward economic reform, calls for transparency and equitable distribution of wealth have grown louder. Chiwenga’s remarks serve as a reminder of the government’s responsibility to ensure that the country’s resources are used to benefit all Zimbabweans, not just a privileged few.
The Vice President’s speech at the National Heroes Acre underscores the importance of upholding the principles of fairness and justice in honor of those who fought for the nation’s independence.
