Presidential Adviser Says Resolving Public Grievances Helps Protect President’s Image

HARARE – Presidential Investment Adviser Paul Tungwarara says efforts to resolve grievances raised by citizens are intended to protect the image of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and maintain national focus on development rather than political disputes.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Tungwarara said concerns being aired publicly, particularly through social media platforms, should be addressed constructively where possible, especially when they involve claims of unpaid dues or unresolved financial matters.

“We cannot tolerate a situation in which individuals continuously disparage the President under the guise of claiming outstanding dues,” Tungwarara said.

“Where it becomes necessary for us to intervene and resolve such grievances for the greater good of our leader and the nation, then we must do so decisively in order to silence unnecessary noise and refocus our collective energy on national development rather than daily propaganda, recordings and distractions.”

Tungwarara said engagement and reconciliation had helped ease tensions with some individuals who had previously expressed dissatisfaction with government or ruling party officials.

According to him, several people who had raised grievances in the past had since reconciled with the ruling party and publicly pledged support for both Zanu-PF and President Mnangagwa.

“Many individuals who previously held grievances have since reconciled, returned to the fold and pledged their support to Zanu-PF and the President,” he said.

“Our success ultimately depends on how effectively we engage those who have not yet embraced the President’s vision, ensuring that they are integrated into the collective march toward Vision 2030.”

The remarks come amid ongoing political debate surrounding public criticism of government officials and the role of influential advisers in managing disputes involving individuals who claim to have unresolved business or financial matters linked to government projects or political activities.

Tungwarara said he considers it part of his responsibility to shield the Presidency from sustained attacks and negative publicity, particularly on social media platforms where political disputes often play out publicly.

“My intention is not to fuel hostility on social media against the Presidency. On the contrary, I remain committed to intercepting and neutralising attacks directed at the President by all lawful and constructive means available,” he said.

He added that he would rather absorb criticism personally than allow disputes to overshadow government programmes and national priorities.

“It is far better for criticism to be directed at me personally than for the nation to be consumed by unnecessary attacks on the Head of State, particularly when many of these matters can be resolved swiftly by addressing the relatively minor financial claims involved.”

Tungwarara's comments come at a time when social media has become a major battleground for political discourse in Zimbabwe, with debates over loyalty, governance, accountability, and the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 continuing to dominate online discussions.

Critics have questioned whether offering incentives or facilitating settlements for vocal government critics risks creating the perception that political support can be influenced through financial rewards. Supporters, however, argue that dialogue and dispute resolution are legitimate tools for maintaining unity and stability. The remarks are likely to further fuel debate over the role of presidential advisers, political patronage, and the relationship between private grievances and public political discourse.

Paul Tungwarara