Mnangagwa advisor ready to die

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's investment adviser Paul Tungwarara has claimed he put his life on the line by speaking out against individuals within Zanu-PF whom he alleges are using money to position themselves for the presidency, as succession battles within the ruling party take an increasingly tense turn.

Tungwarara said some senior figures in the party were angered by remarks he made last week in Zimunya–Marange, where he criticised what he described as attempts to buy influence and power ahead of the eventual succession of the 83-year-old President Mnangagwa. Although he did not name anyone, his comments were widely interpreted as being directed at businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who has previously been linked to presidential ambitions.

Addressing Zanu-PF supporters at Nyajezi Secondary School in Nyanga South, Manicaland province, on Sunday, Tungwarara said he was fully aware that his statements may have placed him in danger.

"I was in Manicaland last week and I spoke what I spoke, though it did not go down well with some people with presidential ambitions," he said. "I did not speak about anyone, but I spoke about myself. What surprised me is that the internet awoke and names were thrown around."

Tungwarara said he was undeterred by the backlash, insisting that discipline and order were needed within the ruling party.

"I am ready to die today. We need order in the party. I do not fear anyone," he said.

He accused some party members of thriving on corruption and extortion, saying such practices threatened unity within Zanu-PF.

"I walked with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and learnt a lot from him," Tungwarara said. "There are people who are surviving through extortion. If I had an accident today, it's not that I have been killed, but it's my time."

He added that his remarks were meant to expose issues, not to target individuals.

"I know where I am standing and where I am going. I am happy that after what I said, they are now coming out, but I did not speak about anyone," he said.

Tungwarara also took aim at what he described as "fake prophets" whom he accused of attacking him following his remarks on cash-rich individuals allegedly eyeing Mnangagwa's position.

"If you want to see eye-to-eye with me, don't be a fake prophet," he said. "Let me tell you, I can pray alone and I know the Bible."

Party insiders alleged that Tungwarara was referring to self-styled prophet Uebert Angel, who recently claimed to have received a prophecy relating to Zanu-PF's succession politics.

Tungwarara has been recommended by the Manicaland provincial leadership for co-option into the Zanu-PF central committee, a move that has drawn strong support from local party officials.

Nyanga North legislator Chido Sanyatwe publicly endorsed the recommendation, praising Tungwarara for his loyalty and contributions to the party.

"I want to say to you Dr Tungwarara, God and your parents should bless you," she said. "We want to congratulate you for being recommended for co-option into the central committee."

She added that Zanu-PF remained dominant in the Nyanga area, having swept all wards in both the 2018 and 2023 elections.

Nyanga South MP Supa Mandiwanzira also lauded Tungwarara's grassroots initiatives.

"What you are doing district by district empowering the people has never been seen by the party," Mandiwanzira said.

Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza said the ruling party was more united than ever, dismissing suggestions of deepening divisions.

Tungwarara's empowerment programmes have so far covered seven districts, including Nyanga, where he was addressing supporters on Sunday. Under the Presidential Constituency Development initiative, he has been disbursing US$25 000 to each Member of Parliament, with 23 constituencies having already benefited.

President Mnangagwa is constitutionally expected to step down at the end of his second term in 2028. However, his supporters are reportedly pushing for constitutional amendments that would allow him to remain in office for an additional two years, a move analysts say is partly aimed at blocking Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga from ascending to the presidency.