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Tungwarara, Tagwirei feud splits Zanu-PF
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stepped in to defuse a growing conflict between two of Zanu-PF's high-profile benefactors, Paul Tungwarara and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, whose clash has caused divisions within the ruling party.
The feud erupted three weeks ago when Tungwarara publicly criticised unnamed wealthy individuals at a presidential empowerment programme in Manicaland's Marange area. Party supporters on social media interpreted the remarks as aimed at Tagwirei, sparking the emergence of rival camps backing the two men. Tungwarara accused Tagwirei of being overly ambitious and attempting to use his wealth to succeed Mnangagwa.
The conflict intensified after a social media post by a Tagwirei associate referred to him as "HE" (His Excellency), and a photo circulated showing a commuter omnibus with Tagwirei's image and the inscription "Zim1," a title associated with the presidency.
Tungwarara subsequently attacked Tagwirei in Nyanga, alleging the businessman sought to control government and party affairs, including attempts to have ministers, permanent secretaries, and vice presidents sacked. Tagwirei allegedly retaliated through a social media campaign and by trying to block Tungwarara's Manicaland meeting scheduled for Mutare.
In response, Zanu-PF political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha temporarily suspended the distribution of the Presidential Economic Empowerment Revolving Fund, pending new guidelines from party secretary-general Jacob Mudenda.
Sources revealed that Mnangagwa personally summoned both Tungwarara and Tagwirei to calm tensions. While Mudenda urged Tungwarara to apologise for tarnishing the party's image, Tungwarara initially refused. He later agreed not to attack Tagwirei further, allowing the Mutare meeting to proceed.
Insiders say Tagwirei's approach included sponsoring intelligence reports to counter accusations of ambition while undermining Tungwarara and Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa. Mutsvangwa has repeatedly accused Tagwirei of attempting to use wealth to buy influence over the presidency, a claim Tagwirei has not publicly addressed.
The feud reportedly stems from Tagwirei's alleged opposition to Mnangagwa's advisor's rise to the party's central committee. Both Tungwarara and Tagwirei remain influential in party and economic circles, making their rivalry a delicate matter for the President to manage.
The feud erupted three weeks ago when Tungwarara publicly criticised unnamed wealthy individuals at a presidential empowerment programme in Manicaland's Marange area. Party supporters on social media interpreted the remarks as aimed at Tagwirei, sparking the emergence of rival camps backing the two men. Tungwarara accused Tagwirei of being overly ambitious and attempting to use his wealth to succeed Mnangagwa.
The conflict intensified after a social media post by a Tagwirei associate referred to him as "HE" (His Excellency), and a photo circulated showing a commuter omnibus with Tagwirei's image and the inscription "Zim1," a title associated with the presidency.
Tungwarara subsequently attacked Tagwirei in Nyanga, alleging the businessman sought to control government and party affairs, including attempts to have ministers, permanent secretaries, and vice presidents sacked. Tagwirei allegedly retaliated through a social media campaign and by trying to block Tungwarara's Manicaland meeting scheduled for Mutare.
Sources revealed that Mnangagwa personally summoned both Tungwarara and Tagwirei to calm tensions. While Mudenda urged Tungwarara to apologise for tarnishing the party's image, Tungwarara initially refused. He later agreed not to attack Tagwirei further, allowing the Mutare meeting to proceed.
Insiders say Tagwirei's approach included sponsoring intelligence reports to counter accusations of ambition while undermining Tungwarara and Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa. Mutsvangwa has repeatedly accused Tagwirei of attempting to use wealth to buy influence over the presidency, a claim Tagwirei has not publicly addressed.
The feud reportedly stems from Tagwirei's alleged opposition to Mnangagwa's advisor's rise to the party's central committee. Both Tungwarara and Tagwirei remain influential in party and economic circles, making their rivalry a delicate matter for the President to manage.
Source - The Standard
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