BY BRENNA MATENDERE
MAKESURE Choga, a Kwekwe based human rights defender and state sponsored torture survivor, has commended Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s consistence on speaking against corruption kingpins infamously known as “Zvigananda” and urged him to dismantle all the shadowy elites.
Speaking during an Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Campaign at New Highfield Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, Chiwenga criticized disunity in the country and condemned businessmen who flaunt wealth without clear sources of income.
His remarks, delivered before thousands of youths gathered for the anti-drug drive, carried thinly veiled references to Zanu PF benefactors, particularly Wicknell Chivayo, who has donated cars to ruling party loyalists.
In a blog article released today, Choga said VP Chiwenga was spot on.
“His warning carried a tone of defiance, showing he remains one of the few leaders unafraid to challenge the entrenched networks of corruption that have poisoned the nation’s development.
“Chiwenga declared that Zimbabwe can no longer afford to be held hostage by a handful of elites whose wealth and influence are built on looting, smuggling, and backdoor political deals.
“The Vice President’s stance comes as controversy deepens around the entry of fuel tycoon Kuda Tagwirei into ZANU PF’s Central Committee. Critics argue Tagwirei bypassed the party’s traditional structures—cell, branch, district, and provincial levels—by leveraging financial muscle. In a country where the constitution insists on grassroots-based promotion, his meteoric rise raises serious concerns about the fusion of money and politics,” said Choga adding:
“For many Zimbabweans, Tagwirei’s acceptance into the Central Committee reflects the wider crisis of political capture by business elites. Wealth, rather than merit or service, is increasingly becoming the gateway to leadership, undermining democratic structures within the ruling party and entrenching corruption at the heart of governance.
“Chiwenga’s latest warning therefore resonates beyond rhetoric. It positions him as a strong politician projecting himself as unafraid to challenge both enemies and allies when corruption is at play. For some, it rekindles hope that powerful voices within government might still push back against the looting culture that has crippled Zimbabwe’s economy and driven millions deeper into poverty.”
“As a citizen journalist and human rights activist, I must stress that Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads. If leaders like Chiwenga genuinely commit to dismantling the “Zvigananda” empire, ordinary people may finally see a ray of justice. But if such warnings remain empty, the corrupt elite will continue to thrive—buying power, silencing dissent, and suffocating the dreams of a free and fair Zimbabwe. The struggle against corruption is not just political. It is a fight for the very soul of our nation.”
On 27 March 2018, Choga drew the attention of the international community when he was attacked with stones, sticks and knives in Kwekwe, reportedly by members of a youth group called “Alshabab” suspected to have links to the ruling party Zanu PF.
As part of his work, he uses drama and theatre to encourage young people to sign up to vote in general elections and shares his activities on social media.
In the past, he has organised community theatre in a number of villages, towns and cities to conscientize citizens on key electoral developments ahead of general elections.
In the build-up to the 2023 elections, Choga introduced protest music in artwork while in Lusaka, Zambia.
He managed to release an album called Hutsinye (Hatred), which had tracks such as Hutsinye, Sarudzo (elections), My Right and a bonus track called Puza dollar.
