Minister slams Tungwarara over advisory incapacitation, hand‑outs

HARARE - Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira has publicly distanced himself from presidential advisor Paul Tungwarara, telling mourners that President Emmerson Mnangagwa "is a par excellence advisor himself" who does not require additional advisors.

Chadzamira made the remarks at the funeral wake of the President's niece, Shamiso Mnangagwa, held in Masvingo over the weekend. His comments were widely interpreted as a rebuke of Tungwarara's recent conduct and his growing influence around the Presidency.

"Donations and handouts should be given to those who defend, manage, promote and uplift our revolutionary party; not those who destroy and criticise it," Chadzamira said.

"Our President is a principled man. We never heard him inviting and empowering those who imposed sanctions against our country. He always preaches that Zimbabwe is not an enemy to anyone, but a friend to all — except those who wish to be our enemies."

Chadzamira said Masvingo would not tolerate critics of Zanu PF benefiting from empowerment initiatives while loyal party members were left out.

"So here in Masvingo, we don't want to see some people who are against Zanu PF and its leadership benefiting from empowerment initiatives whilst those defending it have nothing or are suffering. We don't want them to benefit," he said.

"President, you are a par excellent advisor of yourself. You do not need any other advisor. Though there are some who purport to support you on advisory, there is no one with the capacity to advise you. We follow your expertise and wisdom, not anyone else."

His remarks come amid growing disquiet within Zanu PF structures over Tungwarara's recent activities, particularly his decision to confer awards and honours on individuals who have previously criticised President Mnangagwa, the First Family and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei. Party insiders say the move angered loyalists who argue it undermines unity and rewards critics ahead of key political programmes.

Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa also raised concerns at the funeral wake, warning that wealthy individuals were making donations directly to party members without following established structures.

"Your Excellency, we have witnessed the proliferation of unauthorised donations within our party," Mavhenyengwa said.

"We are seeing gifts being distributed. We are seeing vehicles being given to our youths without my knowledge as provincial chairman. We are saying such things should pass through proper party structures so that they are done in an orderly manner for the party's well‑being."

Several senior party officials, youth leaders and members of the Varakashi4ED lobby group have recently questioned Tungwarara's approach to recognising party defenders versus critics, with some accusing him of creating divisions and confusing mobilisation strategies.

Although Chadzamira did not mention Tungwarara by name, party insiders said the timing, tone and context of his remarks left little doubt about the intended target.

Efforts to obtain comment from Tungwarara were unsuccessful at the time of publication.