Former Norton MP and current Sabhuku (village head) in Shurugwi South, Temba Mliswa, a controversial figure in his own right with 19 children from 10 different women, has waded into the Mtukudzi family feud, defending Daisy Mtukudzi and criticising Oliver Mtukudzi’s daughters, Selmor and Sandra.
They described feeling excluded from family events, being denied access to their father, and experiencing financial hardship. Sandra even recounted being forced to share food with the family dog while other children received better treatment.
Mliswa, however, took to Twitter to dismiss the sisters’ claims, arguing that they should focus on their own careers rather than “scandalising” their deceased father.
“Dragging a legend who has passed away and isn’t available to respond is very unfortunate, callous and should be stopped. Some of us were close to Tuku as to lead the writing of a letter that he should be conferred with the National Hero status. We knew him better,” he tweeted.
He further questioned the sisters’ motives, suggesting they were attempting to tarnish their father’s image and challenge his decision to leave his estate to Daisy.
“She should just focus on building her career. Take a cue from what Dr Mtukudzi said about building your own fame & not borrow from his. Alleging you spoke with Tuku behind scenes creates the question of why he didn’t give you part of his fortune behind the scenes again!”
Mliswa continued. “Why did it end in chats only? The fact is that he simply loved his wife and left everything to her. Let’s stop scandalising Dr Mtukudzi as he is dead. This hyperbolic craftiness, with long tales and the like won’t help anyone. Allow Tuku to rest!”
Mliswa’s comments sparked a heated debate on social media, with many criticising his stance and accusing him of hypocrisy given his own complex family situation.
“That is rubbish you just wrote there. We also idolised Tuku but the truth must be told. He was a very poor dad to these two girls and that is that. Let them deal with these issues the way they know how. It was their dad not yours. Many of us are disappointed and outraged by what he did,” wrote Bruce Dormice.
Another user, BaShona, questioned Mliswa’s claim of being close to Tuku. “Are you telling us you were close more than the life experience of his kids? Where were you in the 80s? 90s, these girls abused. Please stay away from kuzvibayirira. You are doing well to nature and raising your kids. Tuku wakaita failed as father.”
ShayMama expressed concern about Mliswa’s own children: “Dont worry, your time is coming temba… better make sure you haven’t left any kids behind to suffer while you chase skirts. how do you manage to share your time with 18 kids anyway? Someone is going without…”
Zvihwihwa added: “You are taking care of your kids equally and proud of them. Shumba don’t ululate for rubbish. A man must never neglect their offspring.”
MackeyWaseSilobela🇿🇼 💯 pointed out the irony: “Problem started when you knew him better than his own kids & for that alone he was a useless father.”
Kuda….. simply stated, “Mungatiiko [what can you say] birds of the same feathers.”
Boss Salani offered advice: “There are lessons to be learnt here Sabhuku and that’s the importance of UNITING all your children before it’s too late🙏”
Another twitter user called Easy suggested that Mliswa should refrain from commenting: “Bhuruuu I think on this one take the Bench. We all are aware of your own family dynamics and clearly your approach to your multitudes of variant children is quiet different.”
I am Morgan predicted a similar fate for Mliswa: “Lol how can u not know him, u have outdone him in the ladies and children dptmnt lol. U have not lived his children’s lives so stop be a know it all man.Your kids will have their day too with Ola soon telling their lived experiences I hope no one will try n shush them n dismiss.”
African_Agenda supported Selmor’s account: “Selmor was on point and did not lie in this interview. Those who are honest and knew Tuku will tell you she’s telling the truth. Daisy made life hell for the girls way before Tuku passed on. Ask those who worked at Pakare Paye and they’ll tell you. Daisy akawoma moyo.”
Fainos criticised Mliswa’s intervention: “Temba stay out of this one please. You do not have lived experiences of Tuku’s kids. If they don’t talk about it, how do you expect them to heal from a traumatic upbringing. Iwewe zvaune vana musango do u think those kids will recover from the trauma of you not being around.”
Wailler said Temba is just like Tuku as Susan Mutami who is probably Temba’s latest baby mama alleges that he is not taking care of his child: “Makangofanana hanzi nasusan hausi kuchengetawo mwana uchitevedzana nemvana futi … Norton ine munyama”.
Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few users defended Mliswa. Tonde agreed with his point about focusing on building wealth: “Yes, the bottom line is that these children should focus on building their own wealth rather than trying to scandalize Daisy.”
Masuwo also supported Mliswa, questioning the timing of the sisters’ revelations: “Taurai henyu Shumba. Uuuum pane ka agenda apa. Mai vavo vaimbovepi vachitambudzwa kudai? Kudosiiwa Kwekwe ototevera futi kuna abusive father ivavo. Kana kufungawo kuenda kwamai?”
The Mtukudzi family saga continues to unfold, sparking conversations about family dynamics, legacy, and the complexities of grief.
During the emotional podcast interview, Selmor Mtukudzi shared the profound sadness she experienced upon returning to Pakare Paye Arts Centre, her late father’s creative hub, for the first time since his passing. She was particularly heartbroken to discover her father’s office locked, a poignant symbol of his absence and the changed reality.
The performance itself was fraught with emotion, and Selmor’s tearful exit after just one song underscored the rawness of her grief and the difficult memories the venue evoked. She also expressed hurt at being excluded from the initial festival lineup, only receiving a last-minute invitation, further highlighting a sense of alienation within the family.
Sandra Mtukudzi’s account painted a stark picture of a childhood marked by emotional neglect and a distinct feeling of being an outsider in her own home. She described a painful incident during her teenage years when her father and Daisy moved to a new house in Norton without informing her, leaving her to return to an empty home, bewildered and hurt.
This sense of exclusion extended to other family events, leaving Sandra feeling marginalized and disconnected from her siblings. The lack of communication and consideration surrounding the move deeply impacted Sandra, leaving her with a sense of abandonment and confusion.
Perhaps the most distressing detail Sandra shared was the humiliating experience of being forced to share food with the family dog, named Kwanai. While her siblings enjoyed rice, she was relegated to eating sadza from the same pot as the dog, a stark illustration of the differential treatment she claims to have endured.
This memory, laden with shame and sadness, vividly portrays the emotional hardship Sandra claims to have experienced within the family. These combined accounts from both Selmor and Sandra offer a troubling glimpse into the complexities and apparent rifts within the Mtukudzi family.
