Chiwenga warns tenderprenuers, 'The day of reckoning is inevitable'

Zimbabwe's Vice President, General (Retired) Constantino Chiwenga, has issued a stern warning to corrupt businesspeople, declaring that their "day of reckoning is undoubtedly coming" as the government intensifies its crackdown on economic sabotage and illicit dealings.

Speaking during the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) annual conference in Victoria Falls earlier today, Chiwenga condemned what he described as a growing culture of greed and impunity within the country's business community, particularly among politically connected individuals who exploit state contracts and economic policies for personal gain.

"We all know that money does not fall from the heavens like manna. The times of Moses are no longer here. Real businesses are built through hard work, discipline, sacrifice, and value creation. The day of reckoning is inevitable for those who undermine our economic integrity by engaging in shadow deals, it's coming," said the Vice President. 

"Let us now mortgage our nation's future, forfeiting gains, equally, the imperative to this shared national and developmental vision is our correct stance on integrity and accountability. As we deepen Private Public Partnerships and catalyse economic growth, we must decisively shun corruption in all its ugly forms," said Chiwenga.

While Chiwenga did not name individuals, his remarks are widely seen as a response to recent public controversies surrounding prominent business figures accused of benefiting from opaque government tenders and abusing their political connections.

In a week of escalating rhetoric, the Vice President's comments come on the heels of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei's explosive statements in Bulawayo, where he appeared to mock citizens who had not won government contracts, claiming they were "foolish." His remarks drew fierce backlash from political commentators and economists, who accused him of flaunting privilege and deepening public mistrust in Zimbabwe's tender system.

Chiwenga's remarks appear aimed at reassuring the public that the state is not indifferent to high-level corruption.

"We must restore faith in our systems," Chiwenga continued. "No matter how long it takes, we will ensure that those who loot national resources are brought to account. The rule of law is not selective."

He also stressed that Zimbabwe's economic recovery depends on discipline, transparency, and justice. "Our vision for an upper middle-income economy by 2030 will not materialise if we allow criminals to masquerade as businessmen."

Chiwenga's comments reflect growing frustration among citizens over widening inequality, patronage, and lack of accountability in both public and private sectors. Civil society organisations have also ramped up calls for independent investigations into massive contracts awarded without public scrutiny, including in agriculture, energy, and mining.

The Vice President, who has in the past called corruption "a national security threat," said state institutions must be empowered to act without fear or favour, warning that "no one is above the law."

As the 2025 mid-year budget review approaches, pressure is mounting on the government to back tough talk with visible action against high-profile economic crimes. For many, Chiwenga's fiery remarks will be measured against the willingness of authorities to pursue real accountability — even when it implicates the powerful.