Published: 3 hours ago

ZANU-PF benefactor Kudakwashe Tagwirei has reportedly pledged to fund US$3 million of the ruling party's US$4 million national people's conference, scheduled to take place in Mutare next month, according to sources familiar with the matter. The remaining US$1 million is expected to be raised by the party, with each of the country's 10 provinces contributing US$100 000. Tagwirei has previously bankrolled the party's last two national conferences, contributing a total of US$10 million.

A senior ZANU-PF official noted that Tagwirei has consistently supported the party financially over the past seven years, providing approximately US$20 million annually outside of election periods. Despite this, some politburo members, particularly from Harare province, have questioned why the party continues to accept his funding while simultaneously blocking his entry into the central committee.

Harare province co-opted Tagwirei into the central committee in February, but Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga reportedly barred him from attending a June meeting, citing procedural breaches in his co-option. Chiwenga is widely seen as the front-runner to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa, but he allegedly faces competition from Tagwirei, who is believed to enjoy Mnangagwa's backing in the succession race.

ZANU-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has publicly opposed Tagwirei's central committee bid, warning that his attempts to use money to gain influence would backfire. "That money will turn against you," Mutsvangwa said last month, adding that the businessman should not think he could "bribe your way into history."

In contrast, ZANU-PF legal secretary Patrick Chinamasa defended Tagwirei, asserting on social media that his central committee position was already sealed at the June politburo meeting and that nothing could prevent his membership, as the central committee would merely ratify the minutes.

However, politburo insiders revealed that Tagwirei's central committee issue was not discussed at the last meeting. Reports indicate that Mutsvangwa launched an attack on Chinamasa and party national commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, accusing Machacha of receiving favors from Tagwirei to undermine the party.

The politburo meeting reportedly ended in awkward silence after Mutsvangwa suggested to President Mnangagwa that Chinamasa could replace him if he was not fulfilling his duties effectively. Mnangagwa and Chinamasa did not respond.

Mutsvangwa declined to comment further on the funding or politburo developments, instead referring queries to ZANU-PF chairperson Oppa Muchinguri Kashiri and party secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu.

The episode underscores growing tensions within ZANU-PF as the party navigates internal succession politics, funding dependencies, and the influence of prominent business figures like Tagwirei.
- The Standard

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