Tagwirei accused of sponsoring divisions in Zanu-PF

ZANU-PF provincial structures have launched a fierce attack on businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, accusing him of fueling divisions and infighting within the ruling party. The accusations were made during a high-level meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at his Precabe Farm in Kwekwe two weeks ago. The meeting, led by Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Owen "Mudha" Ncube, saw party members accuse Tagwirei of financially supporting rival factions in the ongoing power struggle between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga.

ZANU-PF is currently embroiled in a battle over loyalty between President Mnangagwa, who is seeking to extend his rule until 2030, and Vice President Chiwenga, who is positioned as the front-runner to succeed Mnangagwa in 2028. Mnangagwa has repeatedly denied any intention to extend his presidency beyond his constitutionally mandated two terms. However, the ongoing internal divisions, fueled by both loyalty to Mnangagwa's 2030 vision and support for Chiwenga's potential candidacy, have sparked tensions across provincial structures.

Provincial chairpersons have been actively promoting Mnangagwa's 2030 project, which has led to several purges of Chiwenga loyalists, particularly in Harare and Masvingo. The clash between these factions has created deep fractures within the party, and the meeting with Mnangagwa aimed to address these divisions.

During the meeting, Ncube and other provincial chairpersons presented their grievances to Mnangagwa, accusing Tagwirei of backing the 2030 project while simultaneously providing financial support to Chiwenga's faction. This, they claimed, was exacerbating the infighting within ZANU-PF and undermining the party's unity. Sources close to the meeting revealed that Ncube, alongside Mary Mliswa (Mashonaland West) and Richard Moyo (Matabeleland North), voiced concerns over Tagwirei's alleged opportunism, accusing him of sponsoring both factions in a bid to secure his business interests.

The provincial chairpersons emphasized that if Tagwirei wished to support Mnangagwa, he should do so exclusively, rather than financing both sides of the divide. "We feel he is an opportunist. But if he wants to support you, he should support you alone, not both of you. This is sponsoring factionalism, and this cannot be tolerated," one source from the meeting said.

Tagwirei has a long-standing relationship with ZANU-PF, dating back to the Robert Mugabe era, where he was believed to have funded the party in exchange for lucrative government contracts. He is also said to have played a significant role in Mnangagwa's rise to power, providing financial backing during Mnangagwa's struggle for leadership. However, reports suggest that a rift developed between Tagwirei and Chiwenga as Tagwirei became closer to Mnangagwa, though his recent moves indicate he may be reconciling with Chiwenga as Mnangagwa's presidency nears its end.

This alleged political opportunism has raised questions within the party about Tagwirei's true loyalties and intentions, with provincial structures urging Mnangagwa to address the matter and rein in the businessman's actions.

Tagwirei has been the subject of international scrutiny, with both the United States and the United Kingdom imposing sanctions on him, accusing him of financing a "rogue" regime and benefiting corruptly from government tenders. These sanctions have further tainted his reputation, both within Zimbabwe and internationally.

When contacted for comment, Minister Ncube declined to speak to NewsDay Weekender, stating, "I don't speak to NewsDay." Tagwirei also did not respond to the inquiries sent to him by the newspaper.

As ZANU-PF navigates its internal power struggles and prepares for the 2023 elections and beyond, the role of figures like Tagwirei in shaping the party's future remains a point of contention, with both loyalists and critics calling for clarity and decisive action from the party leadership.