Whispers of a significant shake-up within President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inner circle are swirling, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the dismissal of his spokesperson, George Charamba.
The Deputy Chief Secretary responsible for Presidential Communications, Charamba, has become a controversial figure, attracting criticism for his outspoken and often acerbic commentary on social media. This has led to widespread calls for his removal, with many Zimbabweans expressing their dissatisfaction with his perceived inflammatory rhetoric.
Rumours of Charamba’s dismissal have spread rapidly, particularly on social media, where the news has been widely celebrated. Sources suggest that Charamba’s removal was influenced by the Mnangagwa family, including the President’s wife, Auxillia, and sons, who reportedly convinced the 82-year-old leader to take action. It is alleged that Charamba has been forcibly retired and is currently residing at his farm.
Charamba’s tenure has been marked by controversy. Previously serving as spokesperson for the late President Robert Mugabe, he has evolved into a polarising figure, known for his strong opinions and undiplomatic language. He has publicly criticised various individuals and entities, including former US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, former Botswana President Ian Khama, and the US and British governments.
He has also clashed with The Elders, a respected group of global leaders that once included the late US President Jimmy Carter, former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, and Graca Machel.
The speculation surrounding Charamba’s dismissal has sparked considerable online debate. Popular social media personality Majaira Jairos tweeted: “I’m told George Charamba was actually fired and this would be the first time that Mnangagwa has listened to the masses, if it’s true. Charamba had become an old-fashioned speech writer, full of toxin, in a modern world which appreciates political correctness.”
These comments were echoed by exiled former Cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere, who spent the day mocking Charamba on social media.
Kasukuwere posted: “Charamba, Mhofu Maswerasei. Paita Shumba panze! Musabuda pazhe,” (Charamba, old man Maswerasei. A lion is outside! Don’t come out). Adding to the intrigue, Charamba himself remained conspicuously absent from X (formerly Twitter), further fuelling speculation.
Adding to the controversy, Charamba has a history of publicly threatening human rights defenders. His recent target was Fadzayi Mahere, a former Member of Parliament, whom he suggested should spend time in prison to improve her literacy.
The silence surrounding Charamba’s situation continues. Former ZANU-PF national political commissar and Generation 40 leader Saviour Kasukuwere claims Charamba is in hiding, stating on X: “Joji is currently in hiding. Let’s not say about about him because he can be reviewed by Precabe Decion. @dhonzamusoro007 Mhofu Maswerasei. Paita Shumba panze! Musabuda pazhe. Musamutsvage munomukuvadzisa”.
Kasukuwere’s comments suggest a level of concern for Charamba’s safety. Furthermore, Charamba’s absence from his usual X accounts, @jamwanda2 and @donzamusoro007, adds to the mystery.
Political analyst Majaira Jairosi offered a different perspective, stating: “Very conflicting infor I’m getting. Charamba was fired sometime ago, but apparently Chiwenga vetoed the dismissal. @edmnangagwa then decided to create a position for his own speech writer Dr Mangwanya who has a Masters in International Relations. George has only a BSc in English.
“A friend of Ranga Mataire says George Charamba aka @dhonzamusoro007 aka @Jamwanda2 who is also prone to exposing state secrets & plans, deliberately arming critics, was banned from writing on his column @Jamwanda2 on Saturday. He did his last piece in August 2024. I’m told George Charamba aka @Jamwanda2 was actually fired & this would be first time that @edmnangagwa has listened to the masses, if it’s true. Charamba had become an old fashioned speech writer, full of toxin, in a modern world which appreciates political correctness.”
The conflicting reports and Charamba’s silence leave the situation shrouded in uncertainty. Whether his absence is due to dismissal, reassignment, or another reason remains to be seen. The situation continues to generate considerable speculation and debate within Zimbabwe.
