‘We’re working to fix our country, work to fix yours’ — Mashaba and Chin’ono trade fresh blows

11 November 2021 - 09:15
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba traded shade with Hopewell Chin’ono.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba traded shade with Hopewell Chin’ono.
Image: Alon Skuy

The war of words between Herman Mashaba and Hopewell Chin’ono continued on Wednesday, with Mashaba urging the journalist to focus on “fixing” Zimbabwe before questioning ActionSA’s leadership.

It all started when Chin’ono, who has made world headlines for his criticism of the Zimbabwean government, took to Twitter on Tuesday to post a picture of ActionSA’s leadership. In the caption he said he came in “peace” and asked, “Who is in charge?”

In response, Mashaba claimed Chin’ono had an “inferiority complex” and urged him not to support “racialised misinformation campaigns”. 

Chin’ono hit back on Wednesday, claiming his question had nothing to do with race, and said Mashaba’s response exposed the ActionSA leader’s alleged “insecurities” on the topic.

“I was asking who was in charge because you were the face of the campaign, yet the picture that did rounds had other folks taking centre stage. Are you in charge?” he asked.

Mashaba responded, saying a depth of leadership was “a hallmark of democracy” and urged Chin’ono to “take notes”. 

“We are working to fix our country. Work to fix yours. Charity begins at home,” he added.

A ceasefire was called after Chin’ono asked Mashaba about the perception that mainly Zimbabweans were being targeted by ActionSA in its policy on illegal immigration.

The party responded to Chin’ono’s question by saying: “As ActionSA, we welcome the people of the world, but they must come here legally, and when they are here, they must respect our laws. No country can thrive in a state of lawlessness.”


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.