Outspoken former legislator Temba Mliswa has claimed that businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s potential co-option into the Zanu PF Central Committee is a calculated move aimed at positioning himself for Zimbabwe’s presidency.
Zanu PF Masvingo has requested the appointment of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and ex-MP Josiah Sithole to the Central Committee.
“The move hints at a calculated ambition for the zenith of political power. After all, every teacher aspires for the esteemed position of headmaster. If Kuda has begun his political odyssey by infiltrating the CC, what barriers exist to thwart ambition for loftier aspirations?” Mliswa posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Tagwirei’s nomination by the Masvingo Provincial Executive has been hailed by some as a game-changer, but Mliswa warned that the move could be a costly mistake for the fuel mogul. He argued that politics is a treacherous landscape that could tarnish Tagwirei’s business standing.
“Recent reports suggesting that the Masvingo Provincial Executive has proposed the inclusion of Tagwirei into the Central Committee of Zanu PF raise eyebrows. It’s an egregious mistake from which Tagwirei, the businessman, may struggle to extricate himself,” Mliswa wrote.
The former Norton legislator noted that Tagwirei has long maintained a non-political public image, particularly through his philanthropic work, and questioned why he would now pivot toward mainstream politics.
“As a man who has stood on religious platforms portraying himself as disengaged from the murky waters of local politics, it’s a strange decision indeed. The move is a clear manoeuvre for rapid ascension into the very heart of local politics.”
Drawing comparisons to gold dealer and politician Scott Sakupwanya, Mliswa warned that Tagwirei risks compromising his business empire by engaging in mainstream politics.
“Our realm of politics resembles a chaotic bar brawl rather than a dignified discourse, and a businessman of Tagwirei’s stature would be better advised to maintain a distance. The cautionary tale of Scott Sakupwanya serves as a poignant reminder.”
Sakupwanya, a businessman-turned-politician, failed to secure a parliamentary seat in the 2023 elections despite his significant financial muscle, although gained entry after his main challenger was recalled from Parliament. Mliswa suggested that Tagwirei’s strength lies in supporting Zanu PF from the business sector rather than seeking political office.
“He too strayed into the tumult of mainstream politics, whereas his impact could have been more profound supporting his chosen party, Zanu PF, as a dedicated member. As an economic player, he had muscle and weight—not as a Parliamentarian!” Mliswa said of Sakupwanya.
Mliswa concluded by cautioning against the assumption that business success guarantees political effectiveness, stating that Tagwirei’s entire empire could be at risk if he miscalculates his foray into politics.
“The danger of mistaking one’s potency in one field and assuming it to be equally effective across alternative areas is that you imperil every other part of your empire by that one mistake. It would be better if he restricted himself to business.”
The Masvingo Provincial Executive awaits a final decision from the Zanu PF national leadership regarding Tagwirei’s inclusion in the Central Committee.
