Key Points
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Mutsvangwa defends zvigananda against Chiwenga’s corruption claims.
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Tagwirei and Chivayo’s donations spark divisions inside Zanu PF.
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2030 agenda debate deepens succession tensions in the ruling party.
ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has indirectly criticized Vice President Constantino Chiwenga for raising concerns about controversial business figures, saying such attacks were undermining the party’s empowerment agenda.
Speaking to journalists in Harare on Monday, Mutsvangwa accused “detractors” of creating distractions by targeting a group of wealthy businesspeople, known as zvigananda, who have close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
He insisted that Zanu PF would not be “distracted” from its economic and empowerment programs.
His remarks followed reports that Chiwenga confronted the party leadership during a recent politburo meeting, warning that individuals with unexplained wealth were capturing the state.
Chiwenga allegedly singled out businessmen Wicknell Chivayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei, both of whom have made multi-million-dollar donations to Zanu PF and Mnangagwa in recent weeks.
Chivayo reportedly donated cars and cash worth more than US$4 million during Mnangagwa’s birthday, while Tagwirei gave over 300 luxury vehicles to party officials.
Standard Bank’s call for evidence and internal disputes
Mutsvangwa challenged those accusing Tagwirei of corruption to provide evidence to the police or the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, instead of making political statements.
“If you have corruption allegations and evidence against Kudakwashe Tagwirei, then go to the police and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission,” Mutsvangwa said.
The dispute highlights tensions inside Zanu PF. Earlier this year, Chiwenga blocked Tagwirei’s nomination to the party’s central committee, accusing him of trying to buy influence.
At that time, Mutsvangwa also criticized Tagwirei. But on Monday, he shifted tone, dismissing the corruption allegations as politically motivated and defending the businessman as part of Mnangagwa’s empowerment drive.
Mutsvangwa also defended gold dealer Scott Sakupwanya, saying he represents a younger generation of entrepreneurs who have benefited from government reforms in the mining sector.
2030 agenda fuels succession tensions in Zanu PF
The clash between Mnangagwa’s allies and Chiwenga comes amid growing talk about the “2030 agenda,” a push by some Zanu PF members for Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond 2028.
Mutsvangwa insisted that any extension of Mnangagwa’s leadership would be decided democratically, at the party’s congress in 2027. “Any other methods will not meet the standards of Zanu PF. People should vote,” he said.
He added that Mnangagwa was fully aware of the challenges of old age in leadership, but would ultimately make his own decision about serving until 2030.
Mutsvangwa also accused unnamed figures of trying to sow division between Mnangagwa and his deputies.
“There are people within the ruling party who are trying to sabotage the President and his deputies while inciting them to fight,” he said.
The spokesperson stressed that the party’s focus should remain on economic reforms and empowerment rather than internal squabbles.
