Tungwarara defends efforts to silence attacks on President Mnangagwa

Presidential advisor Paul Tungwarara says efforts to resolve grievances raised by some citizens are aimed at protecting the image of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and maintaining national focus on development.


In a statement issued on Sunday, Tungwarara said it was important to address concerns being raised publicly, particularly where individuals were using social media platforms to criticise the President over outstanding financial claims.

“We cannot tolerate a situation in which individuals continuously disparage the President under the guise of claiming outstanding dues,” Tungwarara said.

“Where it becomes necessary for us to intervene and resolve such grievances for the greater good of our leader and the nation, then we must do so decisively in order to silence unnecessary noise and refocus our collective energy on national development rather than daily propaganda, recordings and distractions.”

Tungwarara said several people who previously held grievances had since reconciled with the ruling party and pledged support for Zanu‑PF and President Mnangagwa, with some reportedly defecting from opposition ranks.

“Many individuals who previously held grievances have since reconciled, returned to the fold and pledged their support to Zanu‑PF and the President,” he said.

“Our success ultimately depends on how effectively we engage those who have not yet embraced the President’s vision, ensuring that they are integrated into the collective march toward Vision 2030.”

He added that his personal mission was to shield the Presidency from sustained attacks and political hostility on social media platforms.

“My intention is not to fuel hostility on social media against the Presidency. On the contrary, I remain committed to intercepting and neutralising attacks directed at the President by all lawful and constructive means available,” Tungwarara said.

“It is far better for criticism to be directed at me personally than for the nation to be consumed by unnecessary attacks on the Head of State, particularly when many of these matters can be resolved swiftly by addressing the relatively minor financial claims involved.”

Tungwarara’s remarks come amid ongoing online criticism directed at senior government figures, with debates over political loyalty, public grievances and the role of presidential advisors continuing to shape discussions on platforms such as Zimbabwean political social media.