News / National
Mutsvangwa attacks Chiwenga
2 hrs ago | 93 Views
Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has launched an indirect attack on Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, warning that targeting controversial business figures risks derailing the ruling party's empowerment agenda and economic gains.
Speaking to journalists in Harare yesterday, Mutsvangwa accused unnamed "detractors" of sowing divisions within the party, following reports that Chiwenga clashed with senior officials in a recent politburo meeting. The vice-president reportedly raised alarm over the influence of business elites accused of capturing the state, particularly Wicknell Chivayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
Chiwenga is said to have presented a dossier on Tagwirei's alleged underhand dealings and questioned Chivayo's donations of cars and cash worth more than US$4 million during President Emmerson Mnangagwa's recent birthday celebrations. Tagwirei himself had gifted over 300 luxury vehicles to Zanu-PF central committee members last week.
"There are persistent efforts from detractors who are throwing cobwebs for us to witch hunt ourselves," Mutsvangwa said. "They want to push an agenda that only a colonial economy can function. We have shown that we can defy that false narrative."
Mutsvangwa insisted that any allegations of corruption should be referred to law enforcement, dismissing media focus on what Chiwenga has labelled "zvigananda" – a new class of politically connected businesspeople with unexplained wealth.
"If you have corruption allegations and evidence against Kudakwashe Tagwirei, then go to the police and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission," Mutsvangwa charged. "We are not distracted by these zvigananda, which the media is publishing. The politburo is not unduly moved by those things."
The Zanu-PF spokesperson, who once accused Tagwirei of trying to buy his way into the central committee, appeared to soften his stance. He also defended gold dealer Scott Sakupwanya, describing him as a symbol of youth empowerment under Mnangagwa's policies.
"President Mnangagwa killed the smuggling of gold. Zimbabwe is producing 51 tonnes of gold per annum," Mutsvangwa said. "Young people like Scott Sakupwanya are ensuring that small-scale miners get a fair price for their gold."
Mutsvangwa further waded into the succession debate, saying it was Mnangagwa's prerogative to decide whether to extend his rule beyond 2028. He said members pushing the so-called "2030 agenda" were within their democratic rights.
"People are simply saying that when the time comes, enter the ring and who wins, wins. Zanu-PF is a mass party," he said.
Mutsvangwa also accused unnamed individuals within the ruling party of trying to stir conflict between Mnangagwa and his deputies. "I picked up about these people. They will always be there in the revolutionary party and invariably it is about trying to distract, confuse and deviate the party," he warned.
Tensions between Mnangagwa and his deputy have been simmering, with speculation that Tagwirei has emerged as the president's preferred successor – a development that could further isolate Chiwenga as the ruling party heads towards its 2027 congress.
Speaking to journalists in Harare yesterday, Mutsvangwa accused unnamed "detractors" of sowing divisions within the party, following reports that Chiwenga clashed with senior officials in a recent politburo meeting. The vice-president reportedly raised alarm over the influence of business elites accused of capturing the state, particularly Wicknell Chivayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
Chiwenga is said to have presented a dossier on Tagwirei's alleged underhand dealings and questioned Chivayo's donations of cars and cash worth more than US$4 million during President Emmerson Mnangagwa's recent birthday celebrations. Tagwirei himself had gifted over 300 luxury vehicles to Zanu-PF central committee members last week.
"There are persistent efforts from detractors who are throwing cobwebs for us to witch hunt ourselves," Mutsvangwa said. "They want to push an agenda that only a colonial economy can function. We have shown that we can defy that false narrative."
Mutsvangwa insisted that any allegations of corruption should be referred to law enforcement, dismissing media focus on what Chiwenga has labelled "zvigananda" – a new class of politically connected businesspeople with unexplained wealth.
"If you have corruption allegations and evidence against Kudakwashe Tagwirei, then go to the police and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission," Mutsvangwa charged. "We are not distracted by these zvigananda, which the media is publishing. The politburo is not unduly moved by those things."
"President Mnangagwa killed the smuggling of gold. Zimbabwe is producing 51 tonnes of gold per annum," Mutsvangwa said. "Young people like Scott Sakupwanya are ensuring that small-scale miners get a fair price for their gold."
Mutsvangwa further waded into the succession debate, saying it was Mnangagwa's prerogative to decide whether to extend his rule beyond 2028. He said members pushing the so-called "2030 agenda" were within their democratic rights.
"People are simply saying that when the time comes, enter the ring and who wins, wins. Zanu-PF is a mass party," he said.
Mutsvangwa also accused unnamed individuals within the ruling party of trying to stir conflict between Mnangagwa and his deputies. "I picked up about these people. They will always be there in the revolutionary party and invariably it is about trying to distract, confuse and deviate the party," he warned.
Tensions between Mnangagwa and his deputy have been simmering, with speculation that Tagwirei has emerged as the president's preferred successor – a development that could further isolate Chiwenga as the ruling party heads towards its 2027 congress.
Source - Newsday
