TAGWIREI NOW A BIG NAME IN ZIMBABWE POLITICS AS HE EYES THE PRESIDENCY

Kudakwashe Tagwirei, one of Zimbabwe’s richest men, is now being talked about in politics more than ever. Many believe he wants to become president. He gave a long talk at a church event, the United Family International Church (UFIC) youth conference, where he spoke about his life, faith, money, and loyalty to President Mnangagwa. That speech got a lot of people talking, and it now looks like Tagwirei is getting ready to join the race for power in Zimbabwe.

Right now, there is a fight going on in Zanu PF about who will take over from Mnangagwa. The president wants to stay in power until 2030 even though the law says his term ends in 2028. Vice President Chiwenga also wants to be president and has support from war veterans and the army. Tagwirei, who is close to Mnangagwa, is now rising in the middle of that fight.

Tagwirei told a story of how he started his business with just US$7,000 and became rich. He said he sold his house to fund his business and later got sick but got healed after prayers from Prophet Makandiwa. He used this story to inspire young people at the conference. He also defended Mnangagwa, saying the president is not corrupt. But most people in Zimbabwe believe the country is run by thieves.

Tagwirei is a powerful businessman. He runs Sakunda Holdings and has been helping Zanu PF with money, furniture for its office, and even paying some army leaders to protect Mnangagwa. Some say he has more power now than even some government ministers. Even though he is on sanctions lists in the US and UK, Tagwirei is more active than ever in politics.

He gives money to churches, sponsors football teams like Dynamos and Highlanders, and even gives free healthcare to church members. He uses these things to build his name and become more popular. He was recently given an award by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for helping with education. He also funds many young people’s programs.

Tagwirei’s name was also put forward to join Zanu PF’s central committee, and he is now the head of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee. These are big political roles. Some say he may also buy a big media house to control news and public opinion.

At the church event, he said if you have money, you can get power and even control the army. This shows how deep he is now in politics and security matters. Reports say he has links to powerful soldiers like the commander of the Presidential Guard.

Right now, there are three people in the race to take over from Mnangagwa: Chiwenga, army boss Sibanda, and now Tagwirei. Sibanda was once picked by Mnangagwa, but he was removed from politics because the law says soldiers can’t join political parties. That move failed, and now Tagwirei is rising fast as a new option.

Tagwirei is not like other rich men like Strive Masiyiwa. Tagwirei is close to the ruling party and has even advised Mnangagwa before. His money, church links, and Zanu PF support make him a serious contender.

But there are risks. Tagwirei has no political background. He has never run in elections or led a political group. His power comes from money, not from the people. If the army continues to support Chiwenga, Tagwirei might be in trouble.

Still, people are now watching Tagwirei closely. With Mnangagwa looking for someone to stop Chiwenga, Tagwirei may be the man he wants. But in Zimbabwe, where the army has the final say, anything can happen. Tagwirei may be playing a dangerous game. Only time will tell.