Tagwirei secures seat in Zanu-PF central committee

Business tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei has officially stepped into the political spotlight after securing a seat in the ruling Zanu-PF's influential Central Committee, further fuelling speculation that he is positioning himself to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2028.

Tagwirei, the powerful founder of Sakunda Holdings and a long-time financier of the ruling party, has for years operated behind the scenes, wielding influence through patronage and economic muscle. His formal co-option into the 300-member Central Committee - Zanu-PF's highest decision-making body between congresses - marks his most direct political involvement to date.

Zanu-PF's secretary for legal affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, confirmed the development, saying Tagwirei had long been a "dormant but committed" party cadre operating quietly under a low-ranking district position in Harare province, which provided the opening for his co-option.

"His recent co-option into the Central Committee is a breath of fresh air and will certainly be impactful to Zanu-PF's political fortunes in Harare and perhaps in other urban settings as well," Chinamasa said.

Commenting on his sudden rise, Chinamasa remarked, "He has erupted from his dormant state like a volcano."

The move comes amid reports that Tagwirei is being quietly groomed by President Mnangagwa as a potential successor, amid growing concerns over the ambitions of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, the former general widely expected to take over in 2028 after leading the military coup that installed Mnangagwa in 2017.

Insiders say Mnangagwa, who turns 83 this year, does not fully trust Chiwenga to protect his inner circle and business allies - many of whom, including Tagwirei, have been accused of corruption and sanctioned by Western powers.

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa is reportedly among those backing Tagwirei, while Mnangagwa himself is said to have encouraged the businessman to canvass support from grassroots Zanu-PF branches - a strategy already in motion.

Following his appointment to the Central Committee, Tagwirei reportedly donated vehicles to senior party officials and pledged to fund new party offices and political activities. Through his Bridging Gaps Foundation, he has also expanded outreach to remote communities, building goodwill ahead of what insiders believe could be a formal leadership bid.

The businessman's sudden political ascendance has rattled some senior Zanu-PF figures, including war veterans leader Christopher Mutsvangwa, who recently warned that the party would "winnow out businessman entrants with hidden ambitions."

Meanwhile, the expected retirement of Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda later this year has intensified succession intrigue. Though viewed by some as a potential unity candidate, Sibanda is seen by Mnangagwa loyalists as reluctant to challenge Chiwenga due to long-standing military ties.

Tagwirei has already begun a nationwide tour in his capacity as chairman of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, a post given to him by Mnangagwa to oversee reforms in farmland ownership. His next stop is Bulawayo on June 25, the second leg of a 10-province outreach mission that analysts say doubles as a soft campaign trail.

Despite mounting speculation, Tagwirei has not publicly addressed rumours of a presidential bid. However, his latest political moves have solidified his status as a major player in Zanu-PF's future - and possibly the man Mnangagwa sees fit to carry his legacy beyond 2028.

With succession tensions rising and internal rivalries simmering, Zanu-PF faces a turbulent path toward its next leadership transition - and Tagwirei is now at the centre of it.