Former legislator Temba Mliswa says ZANU-PF supports businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as a future presidential candidate. Mliswa told journalist Violet Gonda that party members view Tagwirei as part of a generational shift similar to Nelson Chamisa's rise in opposition politics after Morgan Tsvangirai died. The claim comes as Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Tagwirei compete to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mliswa argued that younger leaders should replace liberation war veterans who failed to deliver economic transformation. He cited Tagwirei's reported financing of the 2017 military takeover and agriculture programs as reasons for backing the businessman. Chiwenga has pushed for corruption charges against his rival but was told to submit complaints to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission or police.
Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa previously criticized Tagwirei but recently softened his position. Mliswa said the momentum behind Tagwirei cannot be stopped and compared it to how opposition supporters rallied behind Chamisa. The succession battle centers around whether Mnangagwa will leave office in 2028 or extend his term through party maneuvers.
Mliswa argued that younger leaders should replace liberation war veterans who failed to deliver economic transformation. He cited Tagwirei's reported financing of the 2017 military takeover and agriculture programs as reasons for backing the businessman. Chiwenga has pushed for corruption charges against his rival but was told to submit complaints to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission or police.
Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa previously criticized Tagwirei but recently softened his position. Mliswa said the momentum behind Tagwirei cannot be stopped and compared it to how opposition supporters rallied behind Chamisa. The succession battle centers around whether Mnangagwa will leave office in 2028 or extend his term through party maneuvers.
