Veteran musician and war veteran Clive Malunga, famed for his iconic 90s hit “Nesango,” has refused to be silenced following criticism from Zanu-PF circles for openly criticising a plot to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office beyond 2026. Malunga’s outspoken stance, a continuation of his long history of challenging the government, has placed him squarely at odds with the ruling party.
In a defiant interview with The Standard, Malunga declared: “Two or three people must speak out even if it means losing one’s life. Zimbabwe is bigger than the president, we all belong to this country. I will not stand by and watch my beloved country being torn into tribal, ethnic, corrupt and mafia-like governance. I respect everybody, only God I fear.”
His outspokenness has drawn the ire of Zanu-PF deputy national commissar Taurai Kandishaya, who dismissed Malunga’s criticisms, stating that the musician lacks the authority to comment on Zanu-PF internal politics. Kandishaya further described Malunga’s actions as “a desperate attempt to claw back relevance in a society that has long moved beyond his fleeting stardom.”
Undeterred, Malunga countered these attacks, asserting that Zimbabwe possesses numerous capable individuals to assume leadership. He launched a scathing personal attack on Mnangagwa, stating: “Shouting and saying all sorts of bad things about me will not solve the current crisis in our country. Personally, I will be very honest with myself, our current president has no leadership qualities. He is not a leader. He has no place in the presidium, just a chancer. We must not take this current peace we are enjoying for granted.”
The controversy surrounding a potential third term for Mnangagwa has ignited serious internal conflict within Zanu-PF. Reports suggest that party members suspected of opposing the 2030 agenda face discrimination, including exclusion from the distribution of farming inputs and food aid. Some have even been issued prohibition orders. Even war veterans, traditionally staunch supporters of the party, have openly voiced their opposition to the plan.
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association deputy chairperson Shorai Nyamangondo expressed the growing disillusionment within the ranks of ex-combatants in an audio message last week.
He stated: “Some of us here have confidence in our president, but the president has never had our interests at heart. I am not a bootlicker. He has never had our interests from way back, otherwise the former president (the late Robert Mugabe) was better as he was understanding and would try to address the issue. We are back to the Grace (former first lady) days, where she will summon people to the farm in Mazowe. There is no difference to what Grace was doing. We have the capacity to stop this.”
Despite attempts to contact him, Nyamangondo remained unavailable for further comment. Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has reportedly been hosting gatherings at his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe, where attendees chant slogans supporting the 2030 agenda. While Mnangagwa publicly denies any intention to extend his term, critics argue he should publicly rebuke his loyalists pushing for the 2030 agenda.
Political commentator Jealous Mawarire echoed these concerns, stating last week: “This president needs to be removed for all intents and purposes… This course that he has taken, he is inviting trouble for himself, and this trouble will be coming from the people because ultimately, the people are the state.”
This sentiment reflects a growing concern that the 2030 agenda could destabilise the country, mirroring the circumstances that led to the 2017 coup which ousted Robert Mugabe.
Malunga’s criticism of the government is not a recent development. He has consistently voiced concerns about Zimbabwe’s socio-economic situation, directly blaming government failures. In 2022, he condemned Mnangagwa’s administration as corrupt, retrogressive, and self-serving, criticising the president’s frequent foreign trips and the underutilisation of Zimbabwe’s resources while its citizens remain impoverished. He also demanded accountability for the alleged disappearance of US$15 billion in diamond revenue from Chiadzwa.
Malunga’s musical career is intrinsically linked to his military past. His music video for “Nesango,” considered a landmark production in Zimbabwean music history, reflects his military experience, showcasing his directorial skills and powerful imagery.