Zanu PF Elite Uneasy as Business Tycoon & Rising Politician Gain Influence
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – A palpable sense of unease is spreading amongst veteran Zanu PF officials as businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Minister of ICT Tatenda Mavetera increasingly assert their political influence, exacerbating existing fissures within the ruling party regarding its future leadership [[1]].
This growing anxiety stems from the visible partnership between the two, highlighted by Mavetera’s recent event in Bulawayo. The 2nd Edition of the Leadership Success Series, themed “Land Tenure – Unlocking the Potential of Young People,” featured Tagwirei as guest of honor, where he publicly backed President Mnangagwa’s land reform programme and shared insights as Chairperson of the Land Implementation committee.
Minister Mavetera leveraged the event to champion the government’s digital conversion goals, emphasizing the digitization of land systems as crucial to achieving a “Digitalized Zimbabwe by 2030.” She framed this initiative as central to young Women 4ED‘s mission of empowering women in agricultural transformation.
However, sources within Zanu PF suggest this public display of collaboration is causing concern.Tagwirei, already known as a important financial backer and influential figure, is perceived to be expanding his role into direct state policy and strategic decision-making. His position leading the Land Implementation Committee is fueling fears he is positioning himself as a kingmaker in the post-Robert Mugabe era. Mavetera’s swift ascent within the government and her effective grassroots mobilization efforts further amplify these concerns.
