Mutsvangwa backs Tungwarara amid Zanu-PF power tussle

Zanu-PF national spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has thrown his weight behind the Manicaland provincial leadership's nomination of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's investment adviser, Paul Tungwarara, to the party's powerful central committee, intensifying an emerging tussle over provincial autonomy and national party control.

The Manicaland provincial executive late last year nominated Tungwarara to fill the central committee vacancy left by Dorothy Mabika, who was subsequently elected provincial chairwoman. However, the move was blocked by Zanu-PF national commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, who wrote to the province dismissing the nomination on the grounds that it had violated party procedures.

Mutsvangwa's public endorsement of Tungwarara has now reignited the debate, with the party spokesperson suggesting that the nomination was legitimate and consistent with precedents elsewhere in the party.

"As Manicaland, you did a meeting to choose a central committee member and you chose comrade Tungwarara and I am happy that you did so united," Mutsvangwa said.

"In Harare, there was a similar co-option and I do not see why Cde Tungwarara will not be co-opted to the central committee."

He said the matter was now before the politburo, Zanu-PF's highest decision-making body between congresses.

Mutsvangwa also praised Tungwarara's close working relationship with President Mnangagwa, describing it as a key qualification for his elevation within the party.

"I knew Tungwarara as a businessman long ago and he has done well, but the major thing he has done is to be the special adviser to our President," he said.

The endorsement is seen as underscoring the growing influence of presidential allies within Zanu-PF structures, as the party pushes to entrench Mnangagwa's Vision 2030 agenda through empowerment and development programmes aimed at consolidating grassroots support.

Mutsvangwa was speaking during the launch of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund in Marange district, Manicaland, where he commended Tungwarara for spearheading initiatives aligned with Vision 2030. The programme saw three constituencies — Mutare North, Mutare West and Mutare South — each receive US$25 000.

Addressing the same gathering, Tungwarara issued a warning to those harbouring presidential ambitions, cautioning against the use of personal wealth to gain political influence. He described Mnangagwa's Vision 2030 as divinely inspired and firmly backed the President's continued leadership.

"We are moving with empowerment programmes. The vision of President Emmerson Mnangagwa is to see everyone in the country getting empowered," Tungwarara said.

"President Emmerson Mnangagwa is unstoppable and God is supporting his 2030 vision. If it is possible, he should rule until 2050. There is no vacancy for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's position."

The meeting was attended by several Zanu-PF heavyweights, including Manicaland provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza, politburo member Mike Madiro and Women's Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.

Analysts say the unfolding dispute over Tungwarara's nomination reflects broader factional dynamics within Zanu-PF, as provincial structures seek greater say in party affairs while the national leadership tightens control ahead of key political milestones.