Mnangagwa’s Allies in Nasty Power Struggle Over Presidential Cash Stashes

HARARE — Emerging fissures within President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inner circle are increasingly playing out through public empowerment programmes, as senior allies Kuda Tagwirei and Paul Tungwarara are reported to be jostling for control of financial resources seen as critical to consolidating influence within ZANU PF.

The latest flashpoint came on Unity Day, 22 December 2025, when Paul Tungwarara, who styles himself as the President’s Special Investment Advisor, presided over the disbursement of US$75,000 in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province, under the Presidential Empowerment Constituency Revolving Fund. The funds, allocated at US$25,000 each to three constituencies, were publicly framed as grassroots economic support but are increasingly viewed by party insiders as instruments in an internal power struggle.

Political sources say empowerment funds, food hampers and other high-profile patronage initiatives have become central to behind-the-scenes competition between Mnangagwa’s allies, particularly Tagwirei, a powerful businessman with extensive economic interests, and Tungwarara, who has been expanding his visibility through state-linked empowerment schemes. Control over such resources is widely seen as a means of building loyalty within party structures ahead of future succession battles.

In his statement, Tungwarara emphasised unity, accountability and zero tolerance for abuse of funds, warning that the Empowerment Fund should “uplift the ordinary citizen, not enrich a privileged few.” He also announced the imminent distribution of food hampers and bicycles in the district, further underlining his hands-on approach to community-level mobilisation.

However, critics within and outside ZANU PF argue that these programmes are less about development and more about political positioning. They contend that the growing prominence of rival patronage networks reflects intensifying competition among Mnangagwa’s allies, as access to state-backed funds becomes a key currency in the contest for influence within the ruling party.

As Zimbabwe’s economic challenges persist, analysts warn that the politicisation of empowerment initiatives risks deepening factionalism within ZANU PF, even as leaders publicly invoke unity and inclusivity.