Zimbabwean MPs Hwende and Mugwadi Embarrass Nation at SADCOPAC Event Amid Election Defeat

“How do you import the violence of local primary elections into a SADC event?”

By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe — A recent Southern African Development Community Organization of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) event in Victoria Falls descended into chaos as Zimbabwean Members of Parliament, Charlton Hwende and Tafadzwa Mugwadi, became embroiled in a public spat that has left Zimbabwe’s reputation tarnished. The event, intended to promote transparency and cooperation among regional public accounts committees, was marred by allegations of misconduct and unprofessional behavior by the Zimbabwean delegation, culminating in a crushing defeat for Zimbabwe in the SADCOPAC elections.

Disruptive Conduct Sparks Controversy

The controversy erupted after outspoken Zimbabwean politician Temba Mliswa, who attended the event, took to social media to condemn the behavior of fellow Zimbabwean MPs. In a series of explosive posts, Mliswa criticized Charlton Hwende, the current Public Accounts Portfolio Committee Chairman, for his conduct at the event. “I was invited to a SADCOPAC event and what I witnessed there was both saddening and tragic,” Mliswa wrote. “I never imagined I would see something like that in terms of the behaviour of some MPs led by Hon Charlton Hwende.”

Mliswa went on to accuse Hwende of embodying the “low standard of many MPs in the current Parliament,” stating, “Hwende’s surname should be changed to Wind as he exposed himself to be unanchored and prone to capture easily.” He added, “They may not even be Zimbabwean, these guys, because of how they went overboard to act in the worst manner possible, tarnishing the country’s image in their misguided pursuit for self-aggrandizement. Shameful!”

Mugwadi’s Fiery Response

Mliswa’s remarks quickly drew a response from Hon. Tafadzwa Mugwadi, another Zimbabwean MP who was present at the event. Mugwadi fired back on social media, claiming that Mliswa was “not invited but hired by Zambia’s Warren to undermine the Zimbabwean delegation.” He accused Mliswa of being ejected from the proceedings for “name-dropping and threatening Zimbabwean MPs” and dismissed his criticisms as part of a ploy to sabotage Zimbabwe’s standing at the event.

Mugwadi also defended the actions of the Zimbabwean delegation, suggesting that Mliswa’s allegations were a deliberate attempt to create discord: “You were not invited but hired to cause division and undermine Zimbabwe’s position,” Mugwadi wrote.

Humiliating Defeat in SADCOPAC Elections

The fallout from the public spat was clearly reflected in the SADCOPAC election results, where Zimbabwe suffered a significant setback:

• Chairperson: Zimbabwe’s candidate, Charlton Hwende, secured only 1 vote, out of 11, while Zambia’s candidate won a commanding 10 votes to take the chair.
• Vice Chairperson: South Africa’s candidate won with 11 votes, leaving Zimbabwe sidelined.
• Secretary General (SG): Eswatini’s candidate emerged victorious with 7 votes, with Zimbabwe’s candidate lagging behind with 4.
• Deputy Secretary General: Lesotho’s candidate won unopposed with 11 votes.
• Treasurer: Malawi’s candidate prevailed with 8 votes against Namibia’s 4.
• Deputy Treasurer: Seychelles’ candidate won decisively with 11 votes.

A Blot on Zimbabwe’s Diplomatic Record

The election results are seen as a direct consequence of the turmoil sparked by Hwende and Mugwadi’s conduct. Mliswa’s damning assessment of the event highlighted the extent of the embarrassment caused by the Zimbabwean MPs. “It was utterly disgusting as many foreign country members ended up leaving early to try and avoid the madness that was going on,” he remarked. “How do you import the violence of local primary elections into a SADC event?”

Mliswa’s criticisms reflect a broader frustration with Zimbabwe’s delegation, which failed to garner significant support from regional peers. The behavior of its MPs, particularly Hwende and Mugwadi, has been seen as damaging to Zimbabwe’s standing within the SADC community. Mliswa encapsulated the sentiments of many when he stated, “You embarrassed the country, comrades!”

Hwende did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Hon Mugwadi appeared to confirm the allegations as he responded variously during the Twitter brawl.

A Challenge for Zimbabwe’s Leadership

The incident has cast a shadow over Zimbabwe’s diplomatic efforts and has drawn attention to the conduct of its representatives at international forums. With the SADCOPAC elections behind them, the challenge for Zimbabwe’s leaders now lies in addressing the fallout from this incident and restoring the country’s reputation within the regional organization.