Zanu PF Politburo Sidesteps Discussion on Kuda Tagwirei Co-Option
Written by admin on August 29, 2025
Zimbabwean business mogul Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s much-debated co-option into Zanu PF’s Central Committee was not discussed at yesterday’s politburo meeting, party director of information and publicity Farai Marapira has told The NewsHawks.
Marapira explained that the politburo focused on preparations for the party’s upcoming annual conference, and there was no time to address the co-option saga. He said the issue of bringing more than 10 members, including Tagwirei, into the Central Committee will be handled at a future meeting, if it is on the agenda.
“There was no specific discussion on the issue of co-option of some party members into the Central Committee, including his (Tagwirei) case. The party had other urgent matters to deal with. The chairperson presented a report on preparations for the upcoming annual conference and everything is on track. The issue of co-option of more than 10 members of the party into the Central Committee, including him (Tagwirei), will be dealt with in the next Central Committee meeting if it will be on the agenda. We don’t know yet what will be on the agenda of the next meeting, but it will be dealt when the time comes,” Marapira said.
The situation remains unclear within Zanu PF, with conflicting statements adding to the confusion. Party spokesman Christopher Mutsvangwa insists Tagwirei has not been admitted, citing ineligibility. On the other hand, legal affairs secretary Patrick Chinamasa maintains that Tagwirei has been co-opted and will be formally introduced at the next Central Committee meeting.
The co-option issue has stirred controversy because it is closely linked to the ongoing succession battle within Zanu PF between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, tied to the party’s 2030 agenda.
Mnangagwa has tasked a high-powered praesidium committee, led by Chiwenga, with resolving the matter. Last month, the committee met with leaders of Zanu PF’s Harare provincial executive, who are pushing for Tagwirei’s inclusion, even as Chiwenga’s faction resists.
Meanwhile, Chinamasa has publicly backed Tagwirei, countering Mutsvangwa’s stance. Tagwirei is seen by some as using the co-option as a platform for political ambitions, including potential presidential aspirations; a claim he denies.
Chris Matambanadzo
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