President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to lead an urgent politburo meeting today, with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga absent due to a State visit to India. The session comes amid intensified moves to accelerate businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s induction into the Zanu-PF central committee.

Chiwenga had previously opposed Tagwirei’s promotion, citing breaches of party procedures. Nonetheless, the Harare provincial executive of Zanu-PF, chaired by Godwills Masimirembwa, recently voted unanimously to bring the fuel magnate into the central committee representing Zone 5 in Mabvuku.

Tagwirei, viewed by many as a potential successor to Mnangagwa, remains a divisive figure within the party. While Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa dismissed his rise as unlikely and cautioned against monetary influence in party affairs, legal affairs secretary Patrick Chinamasa publicly indicated that Tagwirei’s inclusion is unavoidable.

Party insiders suggest that today’s meeting is a pivotal moment in the ongoing succession struggle within Zanu-PF. Mnangagwa’s loyalists, identified with the Zvigananda faction, are reportedly working to diminish Chiwenga’s sway ahead of the 2027 party congress. Some supporters have even advocated for Mnangagwa to extend his presidency until 2030 or beyond, despite his assurances of stepping down in 2028 in line with constitutional mandates.

Reports indicate that the push to promote Tagwirei gained momentum during a “strategic retreat” in Japan following Mnangagwa’s recent visit to Madagascar. Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu announced the meeting, which is believed to focus on strengthening party structures favorable to Tagwirei.

Tagwirei’s political influence has been boosted by his leadership of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, which recently launched a title deeds programme in Mazowe. Although Mnangagwa praised the initiative, aimed at benefiting 300,000 farmers, critics argue it serves to secure Tagwirei’s commercial interests. The programme offers beneficiaries US$6,000 interest-free loans, conditional on purchasing irrigation equipment from companies linked to Tagwirei.

War veterans have challenged the legality of the committee in court, while analysts caution that the programme may conflict with constitutional rules on State ownership of agricultural land.

As Mnangagwa presides over today’s politburo without Chiwenga, the decisions made could significantly influence Zanu-PF’s succession dynamics and the party’s power structure ahead of the forthcoming congress.

source –BusinessDaily