Masvingo Minister Chadzamira Says Mnangagwa Needs No Advisor Amid Growing Zanu PF Tensions

MASVINGO – Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira has declared that President Emmerson Mnangagwa does not require additional advisers, in remarks widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Presidential Investment Adviser Paul Tungwarara.

Chadzamira made the comments during the funeral wake of the President's niece, Shamiso Mnangagwa, in Masvingo over the weekend, where he urged party members to remain loyal to Zanu PF and questioned the distribution of empowerment initiatives to individuals perceived as critics of the ruling party.

"Donations and handouts should be given to those who defend, manage, promote and uplift our revolutionary party, not those who destroy and criticise it," Chadzamira said.

He added that President Mnangagwa had consistently advocated unity and national development while maintaining a principled approach to those opposed to Zimbabwe.

"Our President is a principled man. We never heard him inviting and empowering those who imposed sanctions against our country. He always preaches that Zimbabwe is not an enemy to anyone, but a friend to all, except those who wish to be our enemies."

In remarks that drew attention from party members present, Chadzamira said President Mnangagwa possessed the experience and wisdom to guide the country without relying on outside advisers.

"President, you are a par excellence adviser of yourself. You do not need any other adviser. Though there are some who purport to support you on advisory matters, there is no one with the capacity to advise you. We follow your expertise and wisdom, not anyone else."

While Chadzamira did not mention Tungwarara by name, his comments come amid growing debate within sections of Zanu PF over the Presidential adviser's recent political activities.

The remarks follow concerns raised by some party members over Tungwarara's recent empowerment initiatives and public recognition of individuals who have previously criticised President Mnangagwa, the First Family and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei. Some party insiders argue that recognising former critics risks alienating long-serving loyalists who have consistently defended the party.

Chadzamira said empowerment programmes should prioritise committed party members.

"Here in Masvingo, we don't want to see people who are against Zanu PF and its leadership benefiting from empowerment initiatives while those defending the party are left with nothing. We don't want them to benefit."

Speaking at the same gathering, Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa also called for donations to party members to be coordinated through official party structures.

"Your Excellency, we have witnessed the proliferation of unauthorised donations within our party. We are seeing gifts being distributed and vehicles being given to our youths without my knowledge as provincial chairman," Mavhenyengwa said.

"Such initiatives should pass through proper party structures so that they are carried out in an orderly manner for the benefit of the party."

The comments come as internal discussions continue within Zanu PF over mobilisation strategies and the management of empowerment programmes ahead of future political activities.

At the time of publication, Paul Tungwarara had not publicly responded to the remarks, and efforts to obtain his comment were unsuccessful.

Ezra Chadzamira on Paul Tungwarara