Zimbabwean musician Ndunge Yut has publicly accused Temba Mliswa, a former Member of Parliament for Norton, of owing him $20,000 for shows that were booked but never paid for. This accusation has reignited scrutiny of Mliswa's public comments about women, his expulsion from Zanu PF, and his political ties. Yut also referred to Mliswa as a "failed politician", criticizing his parliamentary record and questioning his comments on women.
Mliswa's public comments about women have been a point of controversy in his life. In 2018, female MPs protested after Mliswa said most women in Parliament's proportional-representation seats "don't do anything" and were known only for wearing make-up and wigs. The Speaker ordered him to apologize, which he did, saying he was sorry "in the event that I offended anybody". His personal life has also drawn attention, including his disclosure of having 18 children with more than 10 women and supporting about 20 children.
Yut's criticism of Mliswa's parliamentary record and his comments on women have sparked a public dispute. The dispute has a public entertainment connection, as Yut was among the supporting acts at a Killer T show organized by Mliswa's Bhuru Entertainment in Karoi in 2024. The US$20,000 claim and Yut's criticism of Mliswa's parliamentary record have not been independently verified, and there has been no response from Mliswa.
Mliswa's clash with Presidential Envoy and Ambassador-at-Large Uebert Angel arose from Angel's defense of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. Mliswa responded with a social media post accusing Angel of using the pulpit to intervene in Zanu PF succession politics. He challenged Angel's distinction between criticism and contempt and questioned his prophetic credentials.
Mliswa was expelled from Zanu PF in February 2015, during Robert Mugabe's presidency, after a party disciplinary process. The Politburo announcement said he had been found guilty of insubordination, disrespecting party leaders, and disrupting meetings in Mashonaland West. Mliswa later returned to Parliament as an independent, winning a 2016 by-election in Norton.
Mliswa has openly said that he and President Emmerson Mnangagwa are cousins on their paternal side and has publicly supported Mnangagwa, including during the 2018 election campaign. This family connection and his vocal backing of Mnangagwa have fueled perceptions that Mliswa has presidential support or protection when he speaks out.
Yut's latest attack on Mliswa lands amid years of controversy around Mliswa's political conduct, family life, and outspoken interventions. Whether the US$20,000 dispute develops into a formal claim or receives a response from Mliswa remains unclear.
Key points
- Ndunge Yut accuses Temba Mliswa of owing him $20,000 for unpaid shows.
- Mliswa has a history of controversy surrounding his comments on women and family life.
- Mliswa was expelled from Zanu PF in 2015 but later returned to Parliament as an independent.
