MUTARE – Manicaland Province witnessed a tense and highly contested race for the vacant ZANU-PF Central Committee seat following Dorothy Mabika’s ascension to the Women’s League Chair.
Three distinct factions of the Zvigananda political network clashed over who would fill the position, in what insiders describe as a battle of titanic proportions.
Temptor Paul Tungwarara, a well-known figure within the Chigananda political circles, ultimately secured the seat, sparking accusations and counter-accusations among rival camps. His victory reportedly left Kubakwake Tabirei, a self-proclaimed multi-billionaire who had backed Justin Matsatsira, deeply frustrated. Sources indicate that Tabirei had invested heavily—up to $500,000—in a vote-buying campaign to support his candidate, only for the effort to fail.
Political observers say Tungwarara’s success was partly due to his strategic maneuvering and ability to employ tactics similar to those used by Tabirei, effectively neutralising the perceived advantage of the latter’s financial muscle. “There is nothing particularly special about Kubakwake,” commented a local party insider, highlighting how Tungwarara turned the tables on his rival camp.
Another faction, led by John Paradza, had thrown support behind Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Evelyn Gata. However, Paradza’s involvement reportedly diminished Gata’s chances, as his name alone was unpopular among Manicaland politicians. Meanwhile, efforts by Tabirei’s political runners in Harare to influence the outcome failed to sway the province, demonstrating that Manicaland’s political dynamics differ sharply from the capital.
Since Tungwarara’s election, a political inquest has reportedly begun within Tabirei’s camp, with suspicions that some funds intended to influence the vote may not have reached key provincial actors. The outcome underscores the unpredictability of provincial politics, where influence and local alliances often outweigh financial clout.
Tungwarara accepted his co-optation to the Central Committee and pledged to support ZANU-PF programmes in the province, signaling a potentially stabilising presence amid the ongoing factional tensions within the Zvigananda network.
Observers say the race reflects the growing complexity of internal ZANU-PF politics in Manicaland, with factions jostling for influence ahead of upcoming national party leadership contests.
