Tagwirei Ejected from ZANU–PF Central Committee Meeting Over Membership Dispute

Businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei

Harare – July 3, 2025 — In a stunning political episode, controversial businessman and political financier Kudakwashe Tagwirei was asked to leave a ZANU–PF Central Committee meeting after his presence was challenged for procedural irregularity. The expulsion, initiated during the high-level session in Harare, has sparked intense debate about internal power struggles and future party leadership dynamics.

According to sources, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga questioned Tagwirei’s legitimacy at the meeting, noting that his co-option into the Central Committee had not yet been formally ratified. Acting on this, senior party officials including Political Commissar Mike Bimha and Secretary-General Obert Mpofu were reportedly directed to escort Tagwirei out of the session.

ZANU–PF spokesperson Farai Marapira later referred to the matter as “a technicality,” explaining that Tagwirei and other prospective members were not included on the official agenda and therefore had no standing to attend.

However, observers argue the moment was politically charged. Reports from Nehanda Radio and ZimEye suggest Tagwirei resisted leaving until directly confronted by Chiwenga, highlighting the tension between party protocol and rising political ambition. ZimEye went further, suggesting that the breach of protocol could lead to internal disciplinary measures, including ideological reorientation or suspension.

Power and Factionalism CollideTagwirei’s abrupt removal reflects a larger struggle within ZANU–PF. The incident has been framed as a symbolic clash between two major forces: financial capital and political-military authority. Tagwirei, known for his vast wealth and close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has emerged as a key player in party politics. His rise, however, seems to challenge the authority of the military-linked establishment represented by Chiwenga.

The fallout also underlines that Tagwirei remains a “co-option-in-waiting”—not yet a full-fledged Central Committee member. His continued political engagement, however, suggests a calculated response. He has since reappeared on the campaign trail in Epworth for the Ward 6 by-election, signalling a grassroots pivot to strengthen his popular mandate.

Some insiders say efforts are underway to create a vacancy within the Harare Province’s top six leadership to accommodate Tagwirei, which could pave the way for formal ratification into the Central Committee. Yet the longer he operates without institutional backing, the more friction he risks generating within the party’s old guard.

Strategic Calculations Going Forward For Tagwirei, this setback may be more strategic than fatal. While the public rebuke from Chiwenga’s faction is notable, it has not halted his political activities. Whether he is ultimately brought into the fold or forced into a more marginal role depends on how he navigates internal party rules and balances his wealth-backed influence with institutional legitimacy.

The broader implication is that ZANU–PF remains divided between competing centers of power. Tagwirei’s future will likely be determined not just by political support, but by how he manages the fine line between ambition and obedience to party process.