Mutsvangwa rebukes Tagwirei, says he must “go back to Chitepo School of Ideology”
HARARE – Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has escalated his criticism of controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, saying the aspiring political figure should “go back to the Chitepo School of Ideology” following remarks that were widely interpreted as xenophobic.
This comes after Tagwirei, speaking during a Zanu-PF inter-district rally in Harare this week, suggested that foreigners should not operate shops in Zimbabwe ahead of local entrepreneurs.
The sentiments drew a firm response from Mutsvangwa, who on Thursday dismissed any anti-foreigner sentiment and stated that Zimbabwe remains “open for business.”
Addressing journalists in Harare, Mutsvangwa rejected what he described as a xenophobic interpretation of Tagwirei’s statements, warning against positions that resemble anti-immigrant movements such as South Africa’s “Dudula.”
He stated that Africans are not foreigners in Zimbabwe and said any concerns involving non-nationals must be handled legally rather than through broad condemnation.
“Don’t go about saying we don’t want foreigners in Zimbabwe, Hatidi Dudula muno,” Mutsvangwa stated, using a Shona phrase that translates to “We don’t want ‘Dudula’ here,” in a direct reference to the South African anti-immigrant movement.
Mutsvangwa added: “We’re an African country. Africans are not foreigners in Zimbabwe. They belong to this country. If there are certain things which will be done by certain Africans let them be handled by the legal process.
“We’re a mature country which has got a lot of respect for our African brethren. It may not be too late, particularly for these people who are moving around saying they want to be presidents, to go back to Chitepo School of Ideology.”
The latest remarks follow Mutsvangwa’s July criticism of Tagwirei, during which he dismissed the businessman’s alleged presidential ambitions and accused him of attempting to gain influence through financial handouts.
At the time, Mutsvangwa said a proposal to co-opt Tagwirei into the Zanu-PF Central Committee had been rejected for failing to meet eligibility requirements.
The confrontation comes amid heightened succession tensions within the ruling party ahead of the end of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in 2028.
Although Tagwirei has been viewed as a possible contender, both Mutsvangwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga have openly opposed his rise.
Chiwenga has in the past described businessmen of Tagwirei’s type as “parasites” living off the state, and he remains widely regarded as the leading figure in the succession race.
