In what is being hailed as a significant development for Zimbabwe’s regional political influence, former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa is set to be elected Vice President of the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC), an influential continental body committed to fighting corruption through parliamentary action and oversight.
The news, first reported by ZimEye, comes after APNAC members convened in Cotonou, Benin on Saturday, where consensus reportedly emerged in favor of Mliswa’s elevation to the top leadership. The network, composed of parliamentarians from across the African continent, plays a pivotal role in promoting transparency, integrity, and good governance through collaborative legislative initiatives and oversight mechanisms.
Mliswa’s impending appointment represents a major leap forward for Zimbabwe’s engagement in continental anti-corruption efforts. Known for his outspoken approach and fearless pursuit of accountability during his tenure in Zimbabwe’s Parliament, Mliswa has long been associated with anti-corruption activism and reform-minded governance.
A seasoned politician and former ZANU-PF provincial chair who later became an independent MP, Mliswa rose to national prominence as the chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy—a powerful position that saw him lead landmark investigations into high-level corruption in the mining and energy sectors. His fearless grilling of ministers, government officials, and corporate executives won him widespread public respect, even as it ruffled feathers within Zimbabwe’s political establishment.
Now, Mliswa’s anti-graft legacy is finding recognition beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. According to sources within APNAC, his track record and unrelenting stance against corruption made him a natural fit for the vice presidency of the network. Delegates attending the Benin conference are said to have unanimously backed his nomination, viewing it as a strategic move to inject renewed energy and credibility into APNAC’s leadership.
“Mliswa has shown that he is not afraid to challenge the powerful in the interest of accountability and the public good,” said one delegate who spoke on condition of anonymity. “That is exactly the kind of leadership APNAC needs as it strengthens its mandate across Africa.”
Temba Mliswa Set to Become Vice President of Africa’s Leading Anti-Corruption Parliamentary Network
Established in 1999, APNAC is a key instrument in the African continent’s collective efforts to combat corruption. It supports national chapters in over 20 countries and works closely with national parliaments, civil society organizations, and international partners to promote anti-corruption legislation, training, and advocacy.
Mliswa’s new role will place him at the heart of this dynamic movement. As Vice President, he is expected to play a central role in coordinating activities among member countries, supporting the establishment and revitalization of national chapters, and advancing legislative reforms across Africa. The position also allows him to participate in high-level dialogues with heads of state, regional economic blocs, and global anti-corruption agencies.
For Zimbabwe, his appointment is being seen as a diplomatic victory, particularly at a time when the country is battling persistent allegations of corruption in both the public and private sectors. Analysts believe that Mliswa’s continental recognition could help spotlight the importance of strengthening domestic institutions and rekindling public trust in governance.
In a brief reaction to the news, Mliswa expressed both humility and resolve. “It’s an honor to be entrusted with this important role at the continental level,” he said. “The fight against corruption is not just a national struggle—it is a continental and even global battle. I intend to use this platform to promote accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership not only in Zimbabwe, but across Africa.”
Back home, public reactions have been largely positive. Civil society activists and watchdog organizations have applauded the development, hoping it will also prompt renewed attention to domestic anti-corruption efforts.
“Temba Mliswa is a symbol of resilience in the face of institutional corruption,” said a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Coalition on Ethics and Accountability. “His work in Parliament proved that even within constrained systems, it is possible to make a difference.”
Political commentators suggest that this continental role could serve as a stepping stone to broader political aspirations, either within Zimbabwe or at the pan-African level. Given Mliswa’s charisma, media savvy, and deep network of political contacts, some believe he may be positioning himself for a future role in national executive leadership or in African Union structures.
While his term as Norton MP ended in 2023, Mliswa has remained an active voice in Zimbabwe’s political discourse, frequently weighing in on issues ranging from corruption to economic policy. His upcoming role in APNAC is likely to boost his influence further, enabling him to continue shaping conversations around accountability on a much larger stage.
With the formal election process expected to be completed within days, Mliswa’s ascension to the APNAC vice presidency appears all but confirmed. For a continent still grappling with the scourge of corruption, his appointment could mark the beginning of a more robust and fearless approach to parliamentary oversight and institutional reform.
Source- ZimEye
