HARARE – Prominent businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei has made a series of public statements praising President Emmerson Mnangagwa, highlighting what he described as the President’s humility and significant influence, sensationally adding that those who “do not do what he says” will “die poor.”
These remarks come as Tagwirei himself has risen to considerable prominence in the business sector during the Mnangagwa administration.
Speaking to youths at the United Family International Church (UFIC), Tagwirei claimed that Mnangagwa lived in a modest two-bedroomed cottage at State House for five years, from 2018 to 2023.
“The President (Mnangagwa) stayed in a two-bedroomed cottage at State House from 2018-2023 because he is a humble man. He has not taken anything,” Tagwirei stated.
“Anyone who is a President would never have stayed in such a house. Even those who want to be Presidents would never stay in such a house. So, when we talk about this man, most likely we don’t know what we are talking about.”
More recently, while addressing members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), Tagwirei castigated Mnangagwa’s critics, saying they are “lost”.
“I see others insulting Mnangagwa. You’re lost. Because the blessings of this country come from his mouth. If you do not do what he says, you die poor,” Tagwirei told the congregation.
Prominent lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu who is a member of Tagwirei’s Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church hit back on X, writing “I have two comments to make. 1. This abuse of the church must stop. 2. This clueless brother must just shut up.”
Tagwirei also offered insights into Mnangagwa’s personal wealth, specifically citing his agricultural ventures. According to the prominent petroleum tycoon, Mnangagwa earns a gross income of US$11 million per year from Precabe Farm, translating to a US$4 million profit.
This, Tagwirei stated, contributes to a net worth of US$40 million solely from the farm. He added that the President’s 400-hectare farm in Kwekwe houses 3,000 cattle.
Through the help of Mnangagwa, Tagwirei has reportedly benefitted millions from government tenders.
In 2024, the United States terminated a Zimbabwe sanctions program and reimposed curbs on nine people and three entities, including Mnangagwa and Tagwirei, accusing them of being involved in corruption and human rights abuses.
“He (Tagwirei) has provided high-value gifts to senior members of the Government of Zimbabwe to gain access to resources and exerts significant control over major sectors of Zimbabwe’s economy,” the US government stated.
“Tagwirei is designated pursuant to E.O. 13818 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of corruption, and the transfer or the facilitation of the transfer of proceeds of corruption.”
Tagwirei onamata ED…