Mnangagwa advisor's cash divides Zanu-PF

Zanu-PF's Manicaland province has been plunged into internal contestation as senior figures and political factions jostle to fill a vacant central committee seat, with accusations emerging that presidential investment advisor Paul Tungwarara is attempting to buy influence to secure the post.

The position fell vacant after former Chipinge central committee member Dorothy Mabika ascended to the role of provincial Women's League chairperson. What would ordinarily be a routine replacement has now escalated into a contest involving some of the party's most influential figures.

Sources within the party say the race has attracted several interests, including former Zimbabwe National Army commander and current Sports, Arts and Culture minister Anselem Sanyatwe, a prominent ally of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

However, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri is reportedly backing MenBelievED founder Justice Matsairatsire in an attempt to block Sanyatwe, fearing his elevation could weaken her long-standing influence in the province.

Amid the factional manoeuvring, Tungwarara has emerged as a strong contender, buoyed by lavish donations made in Manicaland last week. The businessman reportedly handed out double cab vehicles and US$10,000 each to district coordinating committee chairpersons. He also gave the Young Women for ED grouping a US$250,000 revolving fund, while all 26 constituencies in the province collectively received over US$500,000 for community development initiatives.

Tungwarara said his donations were made under the newly unveiled Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund, which has rolled out first in Manicaland. It remains unclear whether this initiative replaces the existing Constituency Development Fund.

The scale and timing of Tungwarara's contributions have sparked criticism among party insiders, who view the donations as an attempt to influence the selection process. Youth chairpersons from across the province reportedly met in Mutare yesterday to rally support for him.

"What we are seeing here is a repeat of the Harare script before businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei was co-opted into the central committee," a senior Zanu-PF official said.

"However, the constitution is very clear — he should have served five years in the party at cell or branch level."

Efforts to obtain comment from Zanu-PF Manicaland chairperson Tawanda Mukodza were unsuccessful, and Tungwarara also could not be reached. Party political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha has previously stated that the seat should be filled by someone from Chipinge district unless the province seeks and is granted a waiver.

For now, the battle for the post remains wide open, with growing internal tensions signalling yet another high-stakes power contest in the ruling party's provincial structures.