Harare — President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to preside over an urgent Zanu-PF politburo meeting today, in the absence of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, as efforts intensify to secure businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s elevation to the party’s central committee. The meeting is being closely watched as a key indicator of the shifting dynamics within Zimbabwe’s ruling party and a potential bellwether for its succession politics.
Chiwenga, currently on an official State visit to India, has previously blocked Tagwirei’s rise, citing procedural violations. Despite his objections, Zanu-PF’s Harare provincial executive, led by Godwills Masimirembwa, recently voted unanimously to co-opt the fuel tycoon into the central committee under Zone 5 in Mabvuku. This move has sparked renewed debate within the party, highlighting tensions between Mnangagwa loyalists and the Vice-President’s camp.
Tagwirei, a prominent businessman and influential figure in the energy sector, is widely regarded as a potential successor to Mnangagwa. His political ascent has, however, divided opinion within Zanu-PF. Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa recently dismissed the co-option bid as “dead in the water,” cautioning against the intrusion of wealth into internal party politics. In contrast, secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa publicly indicated that Tagwirei’s elevation was inevitable, signaling that key elements within the party hierarchy may be aligning with the businessman.
According to insiders, today’s politburo session marks a critical test in Zanu-PF’s succession battle. Mnangagwa loyalists, identified by some as the Zvigananda faction, are reportedly rallying to consolidate power and weaken Chiwenga’s influence ahead of the 2027 party congress. Certain affiliates have even suggested extending Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond his stated intention to step down in 2028, despite his repeated assurances that he will abide by constitutional limits.
Sources close to the party say the push for Tagwirei gained traction during a so-called “strategic retreat” in Japan, which followed Mnangagwa’s recent trip to Madagascar. The meeting, announced by Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, is widely seen as an attempt to solidify structures within the party in Tagwirei’s favour. Analysts argue that the session could redefine alliances and power balances in the run-up to the next central committee reshuffle.
Zanu-PF Politburo Convenes Amid Chiwenga’s Absence as Tagwirei’s Central Committee Bid Gains Momentum
Tagwirei’s growing political influence is further reinforced by his leadership of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, which recently launched a high-profile title deeds programme in Mazowe. The initiative, targeting 300 000 farmers, has been hailed by Mnangagwa as a major step toward providing security of tenure to Zimbabwean farmers. However, critics contend that the programme disproportionately benefits Tagwirei’s business interests, with beneficiaries being offered US$6 000 “interest-free loans” tied to irrigation kits supplied by his companies.
The scheme has drawn legal challenges from war veterans, who have taken the matter to court to contest the legality of the committee. Constitutional experts also warn that it may contravene provisions regarding State ownership of agricultural land, raising concerns about the overlap between political power and private business interests.
The unfolding developments underscore a broader contest within Zanu-PF over the direction of the party and the allocation of influence. Mnangagwa’s administration appears to be navigating a delicate balance, weighing loyalty, succession planning, and public perception while attempting to maintain party unity. Observers note that the outcome of today’s politburo meeting could have long-term implications for the ruling party, potentially shaping alliances and determining the future leadership trajectory.
As Zimbabwe watches, Mnangagwa’s handling of Tagwirei’s co-option will likely influence internal party debates and signal the degree to which business figures can play a central role in political affairs. The absence of Chiwenga at the meeting adds an additional layer of complexity, highlighting the fault lines within Zanu-PF and emphasizing the stakes ahead of the 2027 congress.
For Mnangagwa, the meeting is not just about co-opting a businessman into the central committee; it represents a critical moment in consolidating his legacy, managing succession, and asserting control over a party that has long been defined by shifting alliances and factional competition. The decisions made today could set the tone for Zimbabwe’s political landscape over the next decade, with implications for governance, party loyalty, and the intersection of commerce and politics.
As the politburo convenes, all eyes are on Harare, with party insiders, analysts, and the public eager to see whether Tagwirei’s elevation will be formalized and how the balance of power between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga will evolve in the months leading up to the next party congress.
Source- ZimEye
