Businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei moved closer to becoming Zimbabwe's next president after winning a spot on the ruling party's top committee. The wealthy Sakunda Holdings owner joined 299 other members of Zanu PF's central committee. Party leaders from Masvingo province first suggested adding him but Harare province made it happen. Legal affairs secretary Patrick Chinamasa said Tagwirei worked quietly for years before jumping into politics like a volcano. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has three years left as leader and cannot run again.
Some senior party members feel worried about Tagwirei's sudden rise to power. War veterans leader Christopher Mutsvangwa warned against businessmen trying to take control of the party. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was expected to become the next president but that seems less certain. Mnangagwa reportedly wants someone other than Chiwenga to lead the country after he steps down. Defense Forces commander Phillip Sibanda might run but some think he does not want to challenge his old military friend.
Tagwirei bought cars for party leaders after getting his committee seat. He promised to raise money for new party offices and help pay for political activities. The businessman travels across all ten provinces as chairman of the Land Tenure committee. First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa supports his presidential hopes according to inside sources. Tagwirei has not talked publicly about wanting to become president.
Some senior party members feel worried about Tagwirei's sudden rise to power. War veterans leader Christopher Mutsvangwa warned against businessmen trying to take control of the party. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was expected to become the next president but that seems less certain. Mnangagwa reportedly wants someone other than Chiwenga to lead the country after he steps down. Defense Forces commander Phillip Sibanda might run but some think he does not want to challenge his old military friend.
Tagwirei bought cars for party leaders after getting his committee seat. He promised to raise money for new party offices and help pay for political activities. The businessman travels across all ten provinces as chairman of the Land Tenure committee. First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa supports his presidential hopes according to inside sources. Tagwirei has not talked publicly about wanting to become president.
