Wealthy businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei got kicked out of a major party meeting last Thursday. ZANU-PF officials told him to leave because he didn't have proper approval from party leaders. The controversial tycoon thought he could join the powerful Central Committee but his plan failed badly. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's supporters blocked his entry at the last minute. Party insiders say Tagwirei looked shocked when officials asked him to go.
Harare province leaders refuse to give up on their wealthy ally and want him back inside the party structure. They plan to meet Sunday at Batanai Primary School to figure out a new way forward. Party officials want to kick out George Chimhini from his finance job and replace him with Tagwirei. This move would create a clear path for the businessman to join the Central Committee later. The provincial executive thinks this strategy will work better than their first attempt.
The political drama connects to bigger fights about who will lead Zimbabwe after President Emmerson Mnangagwa steps down. Chimhini has family ties to Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe who supports Chiwenga for the top job. Removing Chimhini would weaken Chiwenga's power base and help Mnangagwa's faction control more party positions. Tagwirei claims he doesn't want to become president but many people doubt his public statements. Sunday's meeting will decide whether the businessman can rebuild his damaged political career.
Harare province leaders refuse to give up on their wealthy ally and want him back inside the party structure. They plan to meet Sunday at Batanai Primary School to figure out a new way forward. Party officials want to kick out George Chimhini from his finance job and replace him with Tagwirei. This move would create a clear path for the businessman to join the Central Committee later. The provincial executive thinks this strategy will work better than their first attempt.
The political drama connects to bigger fights about who will lead Zimbabwe after President Emmerson Mnangagwa steps down. Chimhini has family ties to Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe who supports Chiwenga for the top job. Removing Chimhini would weaken Chiwenga's power base and help Mnangagwa's faction control more party positions. Tagwirei claims he doesn't want to become president but many people doubt his public statements. Sunday's meeting will decide whether the businessman can rebuild his damaged political career.
