Former opposition MP and finance minister Tendai Biti has sounded the alarm about the potential rise of Kudakwashe Tagwirei to the presidency, warning that it would be a “total disaster” for Zimbabwe. Tagwirei, a close ally and key financier of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been nominated to serve on ZANU-PF’s influential Central Committee, sparking concerns about his growing influence within the party.
Biti’s concerns about Tagwirei’s potential presidency are multifaceted. He describes Tagwirei as a “blank, totally vacuous comrado elite” who would spell trouble for Zimbabwe if he ascended to power. Furthermore, Biti is worried about a shift in power dynamics within ZANU-PF, away from liberation-era war veterans to a new class of parasitic elites who conflate themselves with the state. This shift, Biti argues, would have significant implications for Zimbabwe’s political future.
One of the major concerns surrounding Tagwirei is his involvement in corruption and his dealings have attracted international scrutiny. The United States has imposed sanctions on him, accusing him of enabling corruption among top Zimbabwean officials. This raises serious questions about transparency and governance in Zimbabwe, particularly if Tagwirei were to hold significant power.
Tagwirei’s growing prominence within ZANU-PF could significantly influence Zimbabwe’s political future. He already holds dominant interests in Zimbabwe’s fuel sector and is active in the mining industry, giving him considerable influence over state resources. This level of control, combined with his potential rise to power, has fueled speculation about his long-term intentions and left Zimbabweans wondering what the future holds.
Biti’s remarks serve as a call to action, urging Zimbabweans to consider the implications of Tagwirei’s potential rise to power and the future of their country. As Zimbabweans look to the future, they must weigh the potential consequences of Tagwirei’s growing influence and consider what kind of leadership they want for their country.
source –businessdaily
