HARARE – Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has made a striking U-turn on his position regarding controversial tenderpreneur Kudakwashe Tagwirei, shifting from previously branding him “unelectable” to defending the party financier among others as “young visionary” business people who are contributing to Zimbabwe’s economy.
Reports from last week’s politburo meeting indicate that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga presented a dossier alleging that Tagwirei, along with other businessmen Paul Tungwarara and Wicknell Chivayo, had captured the party’s structures.
Chiwenga has previously dismissed these businessmen as Zvigananda (parasites feeding off the state).
Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Monday morning, Mutsvangwa dismissed allegations of corruption, specifically citing gold dealer Scott Sakupwanya, saying that these people are “driving the economy” and should not be vilified.
“They want to make us engage in a witch hunt amongst ourselves so that they fulfill the fact that only a colonial economy can function. A revolutionary economy cannot deliver. We refuse that in Zanu-PF,” Mutsvangwa said.
“I’m saying this because we will not accept to be foisted with agendas from outside.”
If the dossier was presented, this means that Mutsvangwa’s sentiments are a direct rebuke of Chiwenga’s sentiments.
Mutsvangwa’s latest position contrasts with his remarks in July, when he warned Zimbabweans against “picking heroes from the streets and foisting them on the people.”
At that time, Mutsvangwa rebuked Tagwirei for allegedly attempting to “buy power” in Zanu-PF through handouts, rejecting a recommendation to co-opt him into the party’s Central Committee.
He stated then that the party valued “long-term commitment over quick influence” and declared that “Zanu-PF made Tagwirei. Tagwirei can’t be bigger than the party.”
The reversal comes against a backdrop of deepening factional battles within Zanu-PF linked to succession politics. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s final constitutional term ends in 2028, and Chiwenga is widely regarded as the leading contender to succeed him.
Mutsvangwa’s repositioning is also seen within the context of his own political ambitions. He has been linked to presidential aspirations and has reportedly criticised Chiwenga in private and public forums, at one point calling him “illiterate.”
Observers suggest that his latest remarks could signal an alignment with business-linked factions within the ruling party, positioning himself in the ongoing power struggle.
Tagwirei, who has amassed significant wealth through state contracts, remains a polarising figure. He and his wife Sandra are under United States sanctions for alleged corruption and for supporting Zimbabwe’s government in human rights abuses.
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