Mnangagwa 'chosen by God'

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's investment advisor, Paul Tungwarara, has claimed that the Zimbabwean leader was "chosen by God to rule", while dismissing growing speculation that he harbours ambitions to succeed his principal.

Speaking at the Manicaland Presidential Empowerment Fund disbursement ceremony held on Sunday at Moffat Hall Grounds in Mutare, Tungwarara - who has in recent weeks been leading nationwide empowerment programmes under various Zanu PF affiliate organisations - reiterated his loyalty to the 83-year-old president.

"There is no doubt that President Mnangagwa was chosen by God to rule," said Tungwarara to loud applause from party supporters. "The moment he leaves, I will also pack my bags and go. That is loyalty. I stand with the President, his two vice presidents, his ministers and advisors."

Tungwarara dismissed as baseless rumours suggesting that he was plotting to take over from Mnangagwa.

"I am saying this because there are rumours circulating that I want to take over from my father (Mnangagwa). I am not mentally deranged to plot to take over from my father's role when he is still in that position," he said.

The event was attended by senior Zanu PF officials, including national commissar Munyaradzi Machacha and Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Misheck Mugadza.

Several ruling party-affiliated organisations - among them Boyz DzaMudhara, Crossborders4ED, Pastors4ED, and Hairdressers4ED - received financial support under the empowerment programme, which Tungwarara has been promoting as part of President Mnangagwa's "Vision 2030" agenda.

Tungwarara, a businessman with close ties to the ruling elite, has drawn both admiration and criticism for his outspoken loyalty and his family's public display of wealth. His company, Prevail International Group, has in recent years benefited from lucrative government contracts, further cementing his influence within Mnangagwa's inner circle.