Moneybags to shape Zanu-PF succession politics

Zanu-PF-linked wealthy business figures and tenderpreneurs are likely to use their financial muscle to influence internal party dynamics as the ruling party grapples with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's succession, analysts have warned.

The concerns come amid the dramatic entry of some of the party's key benefactors into mainstream Zanu-PF politics last year, notably businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Paul Tungwarara.

Tagwirei was co-opted into the Zanu-PF central committee following a recommendation from Harare province, despite objections from critics and some senior party officials who argued that he was ineligible. Tungwarara was also recommended for co-option into the central committee by Manicaland province late last year, although his rise has reportedly met resistance from influential party figures in the province.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is widely viewed as a front-runner to succeed Mnangagwa. However, reports suggest that Tagwirei is increasingly being seen as a dark-horse contender in the unfolding succession matrix.

Political analyst Reuben Mbofana said money is set to become a decisive factor in shaping Zanu-PF politics in 2026.

"Those with resources can buy visibility, consolidate influence, and create networks of loyalty that are hard to challenge," Mbofana said.

"The result is a political environment where allegiances can be shaped as much by money and patronage as by ideology or public support."

Mbofana cautioned, however, that the growing influence of wealth in politics could fuel internal tensions.

"At the same time, rapid accumulation of wealth within Mnangagwa's inner circle is creating ambitions and rivalries, as individuals begin to see opportunities to advance their own positions, sometimes at the expense of others," he said.

"This may intensify competition for influence, fuel factionalism, and shift the political discourse toward personal gain rather than national interest."

Signs of discomfort over the growing role of money in politics have already emerged within the ruling party. Last year, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe held a rally in his Murehwa North constituency where he complained that an unnamed moneyed individual was making inroads in the area through donations and handouts.

Ibbo Mandaza, executive chairman of the Southern African Political Economy Series (Sapes) Trust, said wealthy elites would not provide solutions to Zimbabwe's deepening crises.

"I believe there's a tomorrow in Zimbabwe: 2026 promises to be part of the dawn that will express itself in a struggle that will put paid to the ‘politics of money' and see the establishment of the National Transitional Authority (NTA), the only avenue through which Zimbabwe can recover from the current crisis and become a truly developmental state," Mandaza said.

"It's work in progress."

Another political analyst, Vivid Gwede, warned that the growing dominance of money in Zanu-PF could ultimately fracture the party.

"Politics will likely fall in the hands of moneybags as the succession drama develops, but this will likely have repercussions and increase political tensions," Gwede said.

"Clearly, in the ruling party, loyalties are being bought and sold, but some will seek to resist this. The ordinary people might feel frustrated and distanced from this kind of politics."

Gwede added that with the next Zanu-PF congress scheduled for 2027, political brinkmanship was likely to intensify as factions manoeuvre for advantage.

Political commentator Rejoice Ngwenya said the era of what he termed "poor politics" was over.

"The game will be played by the big boys with deep pockets," Ngwenya said, adding that communities were already being influenced by what he described as benevolent authoritarianism.

Politician Linda Masarira said 2026 was shaping up to be a decisive year for Zimbabwe's politics, though not necessarily in a positive sense.

"What we are witnessing is the deepening entrenchment of money as the primary determinant of political power, influence, and survival," Masarira said.

"Politics is increasingly being captured by financial muscle rather than ideas, ideology, or public service."