Tungwarara slams Tagwirei's presidential ambitions

Factional tensions within the ruling Zanu-PF party appear to be intensifying following remarks by controversial businessman and presidential adviser Tempter Paul Tungwarara, which have been widely interpreted as a veiled attack on fellow businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei.

Speaking at a recent Zanu-PF rally in Manicaland, Tungwarara questioned the idea that wealth alone qualifies someone for national leadership, arguing instead that true leadership is defined by character, service and humility. His comments have fuelled speculation of deepening divisions within the party, particularly amid growing debate over succession ahead of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's expected exit in 2028.

Addressing party supporters, Tungwarara said leadership qualities are revealed through conduct, even in the smallest responsibilities, and warned that those who fail to demonstrate such traits should abandon ambitions of leading the country.

"Let me help everyone with ambitions. The character of a true leader is revealed even in small responsibilities, such as herding cattle," he said. "If your actions do not show any leadership qualities at that level, then forget about aspiring to be a leader. You cannot simply believe that having money qualifies you to become President. Leadership has nothing to do with wealth; it is about being anointed by God Himself."

The remarks were met with loud applause and cheers from supporters at the rally. Among those in attendance was Zanu-PF politburo member Christopher Mutsvangwa, a long-time critic of Tagwirei, who was seen clapping during Tungwarara's address, further fuelling perceptions that the comments were politically targeted.

Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has since warned that Tungwarara risks being drawn into Zanu-PF's increasingly toxic factional battles. In a social media post, Mliswa said Tungwarara, whom he described as a personal confidant, was being manipulated by senior party figures aligned to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's faction.

Mliswa argued that the Manicaland rally remarks were not spontaneous but part of a broader strategy to undermine Tagwirei's rising influence within the party. He said the presence of senior figures such as Mutsvangwa reinforced suspicions that Tungwarara was being encouraged to take shots at Tagwirei on behalf of powerful interests.

"With the likes of Chris, who has years of scheming and chasing after power, my friend Tungwarara becomes a victim whose innocent and juvenile excitement is bubbling froth that may choke him one day," Mliswa said. "It's sad, my brother, seeing you hijacked by power-hungry vultures."

He warned that continued involvement in factional fights could eventually leave Tungwarara exposed. "I have warned you before because at some point it will become tiresome, for the powers that be, to continue defending the movement from the same people, and you will be caught in the crossfire," he said.

Zanu-PF has in recent months been gripped by intensifying succession disputes. Both Tagwirei and Tungwarara are alleged to be positioning themselves for future leadership roles, while Vice President Chiwenga remains widely viewed as a leading contender following his role in the 2017 military intervention that ended Robert Mugabe's long rule.

As internal rivalries sharpen, analysts warn that public exchanges and veiled attacks such as those seen in Manicaland risk deepening divisions within the party and destabilising its internal cohesion ahead of a looming leadership transition.