By Munacho Gwamanda-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s frontman and controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei has been quietly manoeuvred into Zanu PF’s Central Committee, further cementing his influence within the ruling party despite his deeply entrenched corruption allegations.
Zanu PF’s Harare Province announced on Monday that it had resolved to recommend Tagwirei’s co-option to the party’sCentral Committee, a decision that raises concerns over the increasing fusion of business and politics under Mnangagwa’sadministration.
Speaking at the Zanu PF Harare Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting held at the party office, provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa confirmed the proposal, stating:
“Members of the Central Committee in Harare have proposed that Cde Tagwirei be recommended for co-option into the Central Committee of Zanu PF. Cde Tagwirei is a party member in the Harare Metropolitan Province. He is a business strategist and a visionary business leader.”
Masimirembwa added that Tagwirei is considered an asset to Harare Province.
“So the proposal was put forward by members of the Central Committee, and the PCC unanimously agreed to recommend him for co-option. We are going to submit this recommendation to the party’s Secretary-General, Obert Mpofu,” he said.
Zanu PF Harare Youth chairman Emmanuel Mahachi commended the decision, emphasising that Tagwirei has played a significant role in mobilizing resources for the party.
“We are happy that Cde Tagwirei will give advice and direction to help in the growth of the party. He is always available in times of need for the party. We really support the co-option of Cde Tagwirei.”
In addition to Tagwirei’s co-option, the PCC also appointed Voyage Dambuza as the new Political Commissar, replacing Kudakwashe Damson, who will now revert to being a card-carrying member.
Tagwirei, the founder of Sakunda Holdings, has been at the center of multiple corruption scandals, with allegations linking him to looting state resources, illicit financial dealings, and monopolistic control of the country’s fuel sector.
His close ties to Mnangagwa have enabled him to secure lucrative government contracts, including the controversial Command Agriculture program, which was marred by mismanagement and the alleged embezzlement of millions of dollars.
His financial empire has been built on opaque deals involving state institutions such as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and the military.
The U.S. government sanctioned him in 2020, citing his role in undermining democratic processes and state institutions through illicit business practices that benefit Zimbabwe’s ruling elite.
Tagwirei’s rise within Zanu PF reflects the party’s increasing reliance on wealthy elites who use their fortunes to sustain the ruling establishment.
His entry into the Central Committee is seen as an effort by Mnangagwa to tighten his grip on power by consolidating the influence of his most loyal benefactors.
Critics argue that Tagwirei’s formal entry into Zanu PF’s decision-making structures signals a dangerous precedent where business tycoons with questionable reputations wield unchecked power in national governance.
His inclusion raises concerns over deepening state capture, where private interests dictate government policies and decision-making.
As Zimbabwe grapples with economic hardships, the growing presence of figures like Tagwirei within the ruling party suggests a bleak future for accountability and transparency in governance.
His influence in Zanu PF’s inner circles will likely continue shielding him from prosecution, allowing him to operate above the law while dictating the country’s economic trajectory for personal gain.