HARARE – Factional tensions within the ruling Zanu-PF party appear to have reached a boiling point following remarks made by controversial businessman and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s advisor Tempter Paul Tungwarara at a recent rally in Manicaland, where he questioned the leadership credentials of fellow tenderpreneur Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
Addressing party supporters, Tungwarara argued that leadership is demonstrated through character and service rather than wealth, adding that money alone does not qualify an individual for national leadership.
His remarks were widely interpreted as a direct attack on Tagwirei, who has in recent months been linked to growing political influence within the party.
Tungwarara told the gathering that true leadership qualities are evident even in small responsibilities, adding that those who fail to demonstrate such traits should not harbour ambitions of leading the country.
“Let me help everyone with ambitions. The character of a true leader is revealed even in small responsibilities, such as herding cattle,” he said.
“If your actions do not show any leadership qualities at that level, then forget about aspiring to be a leader. You cannot simply believe that having money qualifies you to become President. Leadership has nothing to do with wealth; it is about being anointed by God Himself.”
Supporters at the rally responded enthusiastically, cheering and applauding as Tungwarara delivered his remarks.
Among those present was Zanu-PF politburo member Christopher Mutsvangwa, a known critic of Tagwirei, who was seen clapping during Tungwarara’s address.
Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has warned that Tungwarara is being drawn into Zanu-PF’s deepening factional battles and risks becoming collateral damage in internal power struggles.
Commenting on social media, Mliswa said Tungwarara, whom he described as a personal confidant, is being manipulated by senior party figures aligned to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s faction.
Mliswa argued that recent events in Manicaland, where Tungwarara publicly questioned the leadership credentials of Tagwirei, were not spontaneous but part of a coordinated effort to politically undermine Tagwirei.
According to Mliswa, the presence of senior Zanu-PF figures such as Mutsvangwa at the rally reinforced his view that Tungwarara’s remarks were being encouraged by individuals who have long opposed Tagwirei’s rising influence within the party.
“With the likes of Chris, who has years of scheming and chasing after power, my friend Tungwarara becomes a victim whose innocent and juvenile excitement is bubbling froth that may choke him one day. It’s sad my brother seeing you hijacked by power hungry vultures,” Mliswa stated.
“I have warned you before because at some point it will become tiresome, for the powers that be, to continue defending the movement from the same people and you will be caught in the crossfire.”
Zanu-PF is currently rocked by succession disputes. Tagwirei and Tungwarara are both allegedly positioning themselves for the presidency ahead of the end of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in 2028.
On the other side is Chiwenga, who has been widely regarded as the frontrunner since 2017, when he led the military coup that removed former President Robert Mugabe from power.
