TAGWIREI WANTS TO BE PRESIDENT AND ZIMBABWE MUST BE WORRIED

Kudakwashe Tagwirei is no longer hiding. He is slowly moving into politics and many people in Zimbabwe now believe he wants to be the next president. Just a few days ago, he spoke at a big church youth conference, telling his life story. He said he started his business with only US$7,000. He said he sold his house in Westgate and took a risk. Today, he is a rich man, close to President Mnangagwa, and owns many businesses. But behind all these stories, something big is happening. Tagwirei wants power.

Tagwirei is not a small man in Zimbabwe. He has been one of Mnangagwa’s closest allies. His company, Sakunda Holdings, has made millions through government contracts. Many people accuse him of getting rich from state tenders. He has always denied that. But the truth is, his name is linked to corruption, looting, and patronage. He funds Zanu PF. He gives money to the army, politicians, and the church. He even paid for Zanu PF’s office furniture. Now, people are saying he wants to take over when Mnangagwa is gone.

There is a big fight in Zanu PF right now. Mnangagwa wants to stay in power until 2030. But his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, wants him to go in 2028. This fight is dividing the party. Chiwenga is using war veterans and his army connections to fight. Mnangagwa is using people like Tagwirei to fight back. Mnangagwa is scared that Chiwenga might use the army to remove him like they did to Mugabe in 2017. That is why he recently changed army commanders. He removed Sanyatwe and replaced him with Matatu. Tagwirei is part of this power game.

Tagwirei is using religion, business, and money to win people. He tells young people they can be rich like him. He quotes Bible verses and thanks Prophet Makandiwa for praying for his health. He is a respected man in the church and was even given an award by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He gives money to the poor through his Bridging Gap Foundation. He also sponsors football teams like Dynamos and Highlanders. In all this, he is building a big image – a man who helps, gives, and wants to lead.

He says if you have money, you can get power. That is very dangerous. In Zimbabwe, the army still controls everything. Chiwenga still has support in the army. But Tagwirei is said to have influence too. People say he controls some army commanders like the Presidential Guard boss, Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda. That means Tagwirei is not only using money, but also military power.

Tagwirei has also been given political positions. On 31 March, he was co-opted into Zanu PF’s central committee. He is also chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee. This shows he is now deep inside Zanu PF. Many people say this is the beginning of his journey to be president. His name is now being mentioned alongside Chiwenga and General Phillip Valerio Sibanda as possible successors to Mnangagwa.

But Zimbabweans must be careful. Tagwirei has never been elected. He has no political experience. His power comes from money and connections. If he becomes president, Zimbabwe will be run like a private business. The people will not be part of the decision-making. This is not democracy. It is dangerous. Our country needs leaders who are chosen by the people, not those who buy their way to the top.

Just like in South Africa, where Patrice Motsepe is also linked to politics, we are seeing a new type of politics where billionaires want to run countries. But Zimbabwe is not for sale. We must speak out. We must fight for a Zimbabwe where leaders are chosen, not bought.

Tagwirei’s rise must worry every Zimbabwean. He is playing a risky game in a broken system. If we are not careful, our future will be in the hands of the rich and the powerful, not the people. We must say no.