Opinion / Columnist
Surely, what lessons in business success can Tagwirei teach our youth?
4 hrs ago | Views
Our youth are the greatest asset to our nation's future, and we cannot afford to lead them astray.
Zimbabwe is a nation desperate for authentic leadership, especially for its youth.
To directly receive articles from Tendai Ruben Mbofana, please join his WhatsApp Channel on: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaqprWCIyPtRnKpkHe08
Yet, we are increasingly seeing a worrying trend where those mired in controversy, corruption, and political patronage are being paraded as role models.
A case in point is the latest edition of the "Leadership Success Series" hosted by Young Women 4 Economic Development (YW4ED), a ZANU-PF affiliate closely aligned to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Unsurprisingly, the keynote speaker and guest of honor is none other than Dr. Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, CEO of Sakunda Holdings and Chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee.
This event, ironically titled "Unlocking the Potential of Young People," raises serious questions about the message being sent to Zimbabwe's aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.
It is public knowledge that Tagwirei's so-called "success" in business is not rooted in innovation, transparency, or hard work - the hallmarks of true entrepreneurship - but rather in his strong political ties to the ruling elite, especially President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
His rise to wealth has been facilitated by opaque deals, access to preferential treatment, and vast state patronage.
In fact, this connection has earned him a place on both the United States and United Kingdom sanctions lists.
The US government, in sanctioning him, stated unequivocally that Tagwirei has "derailed economic development and harmed the Zimbabwean people through corruption."
He is accused of leveraging his proximity to power to obtain lucrative state contracts and privileged access to hard currency, while in return gifting expensive vehicles and favors to senior government officials.
This is not the stuff of inspiration.
This is the anatomy of state capture.
Since the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe in 2017, Tagwirei has reportedly used his close ties to the new administration to exponentially expand his empire, raking in millions of US dollars.
The Command Agriculture program - ostensibly a noble initiative to boost food production - was turned into a scandalous drain on the national purse, with over US$3 billion unaccounted for, much of it having flowed through Sakunda Holdings.
The parliamentary inquiry triggered by government audit reports painted a damning picture of looting under the guise of agricultural support, implicating key political figures and, by association, their corporate beneficiaries.
Tagwirei's ambitions didn't end with agriculture.
He has entrenched himself in Zimbabwe's financial sector through controversial acquisitions.
A 37.79% stake in ZB Financial Holdings was acquired from the state-run National Social Security Authority (NSSA), and a 30% stake in CBZ Holdings was also attributed to companies linked to him.
These deals have raised concerns of potential violations of the Banking Act, particularly regarding multiple bank ownership by a single entity.
Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti rightly described the situation as a "bank heist," a glaring example of how economic power is being concentrated in the hands of politically connected individuals, with the broader implications pointing toward systemic state capture.
This growing financial empire also intersects with Zimbabwe's mining sector.
Through Landela Mining Ventures and Kuvimba Mining House, Tagwirei has acquired significant stakes in major mineral assets, including platinum and gold.
These deals are shrouded in secrecy and controversy, involving opaque offshore ownership structures and suspected military participation.
Reports suggest that the Zimbabwean military received millions from Landela Mining for a stake in Great Dyke Investments, raising serious concerns about the army's role in commercial activities and its access to off-budget funding.
The involvement of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and the absence of transparent tender processes in awarding contracts to Sakunda Holdings, only adds fuel to the fire.
With such a track record, what exactly can Kudakwashe Tagwirei teach the youth of Zimbabwe about success?
Should they learn that the path to prosperity lies in securing political loyalty and manipulating state institutions for private gain?
Are we now encouraging our young people to view corruption as a viable path to the top, provided it is sanctioned by power?
This is not empowerment.
It is the normalization of kleptocracy.
Zimbabwe has no shortage of genuine, principled, and accomplished entrepreneurs who could inspire the youth.
Strive Masiyiwa, the founder of Econet Wireless, is a shining example of how resilience, innovation, and ethical conduct can lead to continental and global success.
His story is one of battling state resistance, investing in ideas, and ultimately building a billion-dollar empire that serves millions across Africa.
There is also Nigel Chanakira, a respected economist and banker, who made significant contributions to Zimbabwe's financial sector through sheer brilliance and business acumen.
These are the kinds of individuals our youth should be learning from - those whose stories are marked by ingenuity, not insider deals.
Events like the "Leadership Success Series" are clear examples of how the ruling party strategically uses youth-oriented platforms to promote its inner circle and shape the political narrative around succession.
Tagwirei's increasing visibility in ZANU-PF-aligned youth and women's empowerment programs is a calculated move by the Mnangagwa faction.
It is widely suspected that this is part of a broader scheme to fast-track him into party leadership as a potential successor to Mnangagwa.
The underlying motivation appears to be tribal preservation of political dominance, ensuring that the presidency remains within the Karanga faction of the party and keeping out Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a Zezuru.
This tribal maneuvering is not only deeply divisive but dangerous.
Zimbabwe's history and that of many African countries remind us of the perils of ethnic politics.
Rwanda's 1994 genocide, triggered by long-standing ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis, remains one of the most chilling examples.
In South Sudan, longstanding rivalries between the Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups have fueled a brutal civil war marked by mass killings, displacement, and deep national fragmentation.
Nigeria has struggled for decades with ethnic tensions among the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, resulting in secessionist movements and cycles of unrest.
In Ethiopia, Tigrayan-House disputes have culminated in armed conflict, displacing millions and costing countless lives.
Do we want to walk the same path?
Zimbabwe must rise above such tribal politics.
We need to forge a united national identity where leadership is based on merit, integrity, and vision - not ethnicity or political loyalty.
Our youth must be encouraged to dream big, work hard, and innovate - not to scheme for power through manipulation or allegiance to corrupt networks.
If we are truly committed to building a prosperous and inclusive Zimbabwe, then we must reject the glorification of individuals whose success is built on public exploitation.
We must stop presenting tainted tycoons as the pinnacle of achievement.
The future of our nation rests in the hands of the young - and what we teach them today will shape what Zimbabwe becomes tomorrow.
We can no longer afford to feed our youth with illusions.
It's time for truth, for integrity, and for real role models.
© Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700 | +263782283975, or email: mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com, or visit website: https://mbofanatendairuben.news.blog/
Zimbabwe is a nation desperate for authentic leadership, especially for its youth.
To directly receive articles from Tendai Ruben Mbofana, please join his WhatsApp Channel on: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaqprWCIyPtRnKpkHe08
Yet, we are increasingly seeing a worrying trend where those mired in controversy, corruption, and political patronage are being paraded as role models.
A case in point is the latest edition of the "Leadership Success Series" hosted by Young Women 4 Economic Development (YW4ED), a ZANU-PF affiliate closely aligned to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Unsurprisingly, the keynote speaker and guest of honor is none other than Dr. Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, CEO of Sakunda Holdings and Chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee.
This event, ironically titled "Unlocking the Potential of Young People," raises serious questions about the message being sent to Zimbabwe's aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.
It is public knowledge that Tagwirei's so-called "success" in business is not rooted in innovation, transparency, or hard work - the hallmarks of true entrepreneurship - but rather in his strong political ties to the ruling elite, especially President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
His rise to wealth has been facilitated by opaque deals, access to preferential treatment, and vast state patronage.
In fact, this connection has earned him a place on both the United States and United Kingdom sanctions lists.
The US government, in sanctioning him, stated unequivocally that Tagwirei has "derailed economic development and harmed the Zimbabwean people through corruption."
He is accused of leveraging his proximity to power to obtain lucrative state contracts and privileged access to hard currency, while in return gifting expensive vehicles and favors to senior government officials.
This is not the stuff of inspiration.
This is the anatomy of state capture.
Since the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe in 2017, Tagwirei has reportedly used his close ties to the new administration to exponentially expand his empire, raking in millions of US dollars.
The Command Agriculture program - ostensibly a noble initiative to boost food production - was turned into a scandalous drain on the national purse, with over US$3 billion unaccounted for, much of it having flowed through Sakunda Holdings.
The parliamentary inquiry triggered by government audit reports painted a damning picture of looting under the guise of agricultural support, implicating key political figures and, by association, their corporate beneficiaries.
Tagwirei's ambitions didn't end with agriculture.
He has entrenched himself in Zimbabwe's financial sector through controversial acquisitions.
A 37.79% stake in ZB Financial Holdings was acquired from the state-run National Social Security Authority (NSSA), and a 30% stake in CBZ Holdings was also attributed to companies linked to him.
These deals have raised concerns of potential violations of the Banking Act, particularly regarding multiple bank ownership by a single entity.
Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti rightly described the situation as a "bank heist," a glaring example of how economic power is being concentrated in the hands of politically connected individuals, with the broader implications pointing toward systemic state capture.
This growing financial empire also intersects with Zimbabwe's mining sector.
Through Landela Mining Ventures and Kuvimba Mining House, Tagwirei has acquired significant stakes in major mineral assets, including platinum and gold.
These deals are shrouded in secrecy and controversy, involving opaque offshore ownership structures and suspected military participation.
Reports suggest that the Zimbabwean military received millions from Landela Mining for a stake in Great Dyke Investments, raising serious concerns about the army's role in commercial activities and its access to off-budget funding.
The involvement of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and the absence of transparent tender processes in awarding contracts to Sakunda Holdings, only adds fuel to the fire.
With such a track record, what exactly can Kudakwashe Tagwirei teach the youth of Zimbabwe about success?
Should they learn that the path to prosperity lies in securing political loyalty and manipulating state institutions for private gain?
This is not empowerment.
It is the normalization of kleptocracy.
Zimbabwe has no shortage of genuine, principled, and accomplished entrepreneurs who could inspire the youth.
Strive Masiyiwa, the founder of Econet Wireless, is a shining example of how resilience, innovation, and ethical conduct can lead to continental and global success.
His story is one of battling state resistance, investing in ideas, and ultimately building a billion-dollar empire that serves millions across Africa.
There is also Nigel Chanakira, a respected economist and banker, who made significant contributions to Zimbabwe's financial sector through sheer brilliance and business acumen.
These are the kinds of individuals our youth should be learning from - those whose stories are marked by ingenuity, not insider deals.
Events like the "Leadership Success Series" are clear examples of how the ruling party strategically uses youth-oriented platforms to promote its inner circle and shape the political narrative around succession.
Tagwirei's increasing visibility in ZANU-PF-aligned youth and women's empowerment programs is a calculated move by the Mnangagwa faction.
It is widely suspected that this is part of a broader scheme to fast-track him into party leadership as a potential successor to Mnangagwa.
The underlying motivation appears to be tribal preservation of political dominance, ensuring that the presidency remains within the Karanga faction of the party and keeping out Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a Zezuru.
This tribal maneuvering is not only deeply divisive but dangerous.
Zimbabwe's history and that of many African countries remind us of the perils of ethnic politics.
Rwanda's 1994 genocide, triggered by long-standing ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis, remains one of the most chilling examples.
In South Sudan, longstanding rivalries between the Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups have fueled a brutal civil war marked by mass killings, displacement, and deep national fragmentation.
Nigeria has struggled for decades with ethnic tensions among the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, resulting in secessionist movements and cycles of unrest.
In Ethiopia, Tigrayan-House disputes have culminated in armed conflict, displacing millions and costing countless lives.
Do we want to walk the same path?
Zimbabwe must rise above such tribal politics.
We need to forge a united national identity where leadership is based on merit, integrity, and vision - not ethnicity or political loyalty.
Our youth must be encouraged to dream big, work hard, and innovate - not to scheme for power through manipulation or allegiance to corrupt networks.
If we are truly committed to building a prosperous and inclusive Zimbabwe, then we must reject the glorification of individuals whose success is built on public exploitation.
We must stop presenting tainted tycoons as the pinnacle of achievement.
The future of our nation rests in the hands of the young - and what we teach them today will shape what Zimbabwe becomes tomorrow.
We can no longer afford to feed our youth with illusions.
It's time for truth, for integrity, and for real role models.
© Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700 | +263782283975, or email: mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com, or visit website: https://mbofanatendairuben.news.blog/
Source - Tendai Ruben Mbofana
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