PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s advisor Paul Tungwarara has lashed out at Zanu PF officials, who are allegedly using their financial muscle to angle for the 83 year-old ruler’s position.
Video clips of Tungwarara’s scathing attack delivering at a function to dole out cash to Zanu PF structures in Marange at the weekend have since gone viral, with most people interpreting them as an open attack on controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
Mnangagwa’s advisor said Zimbabwe was born out of blood and no one without a nationalistic background can just come from nowhere and rule the country.
He described such ambition as dangerous and self-destructive.
Tagwirei is said to habour ambitions to take over from Mnangagwa, whose constitutionally- mandated reign ends in 2028, if undergoing efforts to extend his rule to 2030 fail to materialise.
The Sakunda owner has never disputed the claims that he is angling to take over power from Mnangagwa.
Last week, an X post by his relative Pretty Mlalazi calling him “HE”, an acronym for His excellency, a term reserved for president, set tongues wagging with people saying he is already seeing himself as Zimbabwe’s leader in waiting.
Tungwarara said Mnangagwa’s successor would emerge from the grassroots.
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"Let me help you out, all of you who have your ambitions. I am talking about those who have silly ambitions," he said.
"The person who shall rule this country after Mnangagwa will be known by their work from the grassroots.
“From the lowest level, while herding goats, it shall be clear who is cut out to lead.”
He added: “But you, you do not even have the signs of a leader; even your step does not show leadership. Then you think you can lead this country?"
He did not mention anyone by name, but insiders said the statement was directed at Tagwirei.
The two have been squaring in public as the race to succeed Mnangagwa hots up.
Tungwarara is allegedly accusing Tagwirei of trying to block his ascendency to the Zanu PF central committee late last year.
The two have been accused of setting Zanu PF structures loyal to themselves against the other and Monday’s attack proved a meeting held last week allegedly for the purpose of smoking a peace pipe and working together against Vice President Constantino Chiwenga yielded no positive outcome.
Last year, Tagwirei was co-opted into the central committee under controversial circumstances, amid reports that he was Mnangagwa’s chosen successor, ahead of Chiwenga.
Tagwirei went on to address rallies in Masvingo and Harare, making policy announcements in developments that sent shockwaves through government and Zanu PF corridors.
The move attracted a backlash from Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa who hit out at Tagwirei, accusing him of flaunting his money to buy his way to the presidency.
And on Monday, Tungwarara was seated side by side with Mutsvangwa, who chanted slogans supporting Mnangagwa’s extension of term limits.
Mutsvangwa was grovelling at Tungwarara who was bootlicking Mnangagwa, claiming his presidency has been a blessing to Zimbabwe.
“Ruling this country is not like leading a cattle pen, comrade; it's different,” Tungwarara added in another pointed attack on Tagwirei.
“For one to make it, there are wars that have to be fought, there are places one has to reach, there is poisoning, attempts at assassination, imprisonment for ten years.
“Then you, you just come into the picture and think that because you have money, you are automatically anointed to lead. It's like me, Tungwarara, just coming up and doling out cash like this and saying, 'So I am ready to lead.' No, no, no, no!"
Tagwirei came to light last year when he was appointed a central committee member.
He made vehicles and cash donations to party organs such as central committee, women and youths leagues as well as war veterans.
Tungwarara said having money does not qualify one to be a leader.
"Let me tell you, leading has nothing to do with having cash. When we talk about leadership, it is from God," he said.
"It does not mean that if I have money, I can start fantasising about being president.
"We should correct this. I said I am an adviser to the president, and when I charge like this, you will not be able to do anything to me. We should tell you genuine things so that you do not lose your lives.
Zanu PF is locked in intense infighting over Mnangagwa’s succession.
Chiwenga is seen as the frontrunner to succeed Mnangagwa, while Tagwirei is seen as a Mafikizolo (newcomer) in ruling party structures.
