Open revolt in Zanu-PF

ZANU-PF's Manicaland Province has confirmed the co-option of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's investment adviser, Paul Tungwarara, to the party's central committee, defying a directive by Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha. Tungwarara was initially co-opted to fill a vacancy left by Dorothy Mabika, the Chipinge representative who became provincial Women's League chairperson. Machacha had nullified the appointment, citing administrative district rules requiring replacements to come from the same area.

Despite the directive, Tungwarara assumed the position during a meeting at Mutare Girls High School, highlighting factional tensions within Manicaland's party structures. Supporters, including former Chipinge South legislator Enock Porusingazi, argued Tungwarara is a legitimate candidate with deep roots in Chipinge. A village headman's letter reaffirming Tungwarara as "a true son of the Chipinge soil" was cited as further justification.

Musikavanhu MP Angelina Gata added that Tungwarara's central committee role would empower the province, emphasizing his capability over administrative origin. The central committee is ZANU-PF's highest decision-making body outside congress, responsible for policy, strategic direction, and disciplinary matters.

Meanwhile, Patrick Chinamasa, the party's treasurer-general, publicly supported Machacha's nullification order, backing adherence to co-option guidelines.

Adding a spiritual dimension, NAMFED chief convener Obey Mapuranga claimed that Tungwarara's co-option was foretold by God, and that the appointment aligns with a prophecy that also envisions the extension of President Mnangagwa's term beyond 2030. Mapuranga stated the prophecy was delivered to Tungwarara on behalf of Manicaland's spiritual leaders, and that the provincial committee's confirmation of his central committee membership is "just confirming God's will."

The episode underscores the intersection of political maneuvering, local factionalism, and spiritual narratives within ZANU-PF's Manicaland structures, with Tungwarara now firmly entrenched in the central committee despite procedural disputes.