Zanu-PF youths gun for Paul Tungwarara

Zanu-PF Youth League deputy secretary John Paradza has called for an investigation into presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara after he gifted outspoken political activist Rutendo Matinyarare a luxury vehicle and US$200,000.

The demand marks a significant escalation in tensions within the ruling party, where the donation has triggered a fierce backlash and exposed growing divisions over influence, patronage and succession politics.

Speaking at a Zanu-PF Youth League inter-district meeting in Harare, Paradza said Matinyarare should surrender both the vehicle and the cash to the police while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the donation.

"If that is not done, that person should be investigated," Paradza said.

"We have realised that there are some people who are using the name of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

"If you continue to do that, we can even remove you from the podium even if President Emmerson Mnangagwa is there."

The controversy erupted after Tungwarara reportedly handed Matinyarare a top-of-the-range Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 Series and US$200,000.

The donation attracted attention because Matinyarare has built a public profile as a vocal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and is also a persistent critic of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei.

Matinyarare has frequently levelled corruption allegations against Tagwirei, one of Zimbabwe's most influential businessmen and a figure widely regarded as having significant political influence within the ruling party.

The gift has fuelled speculation about shifting alliances and patronage networks within Zanu-PF, with some party insiders interpreting the move as either a direct challenge to Tagwirei's camp or a signal of changing power dynamics around the President.

Senior party members have reportedly accused Tungwarara of acting outside established party structures and rewarding individuals who have not contributed to the ruling party's activities.

Some critics within Zanu-PF have labelled him a "mafikizolo," a term used to describe newcomers perceived to be bypassing long-standing party hierarchies.

The criticism reflects growing frustration among some party members who argue that influential newcomers are gaining access to power and resources while grassroots supporters remain economically marginalised.

Youth Minister Tino Machakaire, who attended the meeting as guest of honour, sought to calm tensions while emphasising the importance of adhering to party structures.

"Zanu-PF is not for sale," Machakaire said.

"There are people who died for this party.

"There are proper channels in which we should channel our money."

He warned against individuals operating outside established party systems.

"Zanu-PF will finish you. Why are you taking other people's jobs? We have structures in Zanu-PF," he said.

The public criticism of Tungwarara by senior Youth League figures highlights deepening factional tensions within the ruling party at a time when Zanu-PF is facing growing scrutiny over the controversial Constitution Amendment No. 3 Bill.

The proposed constitutional changes have intensified debate over succession politics and the future of leadership within the party, creating new fault lines among competing political and business interests aligned to different centres of influence.

Observers say the dispute over Matinyarare's gift is about more than a vehicle and cash donation. It reflects a broader struggle for influence within Zanu-PF as various factions position themselves around President Mnangagwa amid ongoing debates over constitutional amendments, succession and access to political patronage.

With senior party officials now openly questioning Tungwarara's actions, the controversy has become the latest flashpoint in an increasingly visible contest for influence within the ruling party.