Tungwarara Offers Rutendo Matinyarare Toyota Land Cruiser to End Public Attacks on Mnangagwa

HARARE – Presidential Investment Adviser Paul Tungwarara has publicly offered government critic Rutendo Matinyarare a luxury Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series in what he described as an effort to resolve longstanding grievances and reduce public criticism directed at President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The unusual exchange played out on social media, where Tungwarara argued that criticism of the President often stems not from opposition to government policy but from unresolved disputes involving individuals within the President's circle.

In a series of posts, Tungwarara claimed there was broad public support for the Second Republic and for the continuation of Mnangagwa's leadership beyond 2030 through the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3).

“An objective analysis of the current political landscape reveals that public criticism directed toward His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa, is rarely rooted in genuine animosity,” Tungwarara wrote. “There is a broad, undeniable consensus regarding the success of the Second Republic, and public sentiment strongly aligns with the continuation of this vision beyond 2030 under the CAB3 banner.”

He argued that the greater threat to the President's image comes from unresolved business dealings involving individuals close to the presidency.

“The primary vulnerability lies not within the presidency, but within our own conduct as individuals close to the praesidium,” he said.

According to Tungwarara, private commercial disputes are often amplified in the public arena and subsequently used to undermine confidence in the government and discourage investment.

Responding publicly, Matinyarare acknowledged Tungwarara's comments but defended his use of social media to raise grievances. The South Africa-based activist claimed he had previously undertaken assignments on behalf of individuals connected to the presidency and suffered significant personal and professional consequences as a result.

“When the princes, advisors and envoys of the President needed me to do work for the nation, they knew where to find me, and when they gave me instructions, I executed every single mandate efficiently,” he wrote.

Matinyarare said his support for Zimbabwe had damaged his business relationships and public standing in South Africa.

“In executing my mandate, I put my life and business interests at risk, ending up as one of the most hated Zimbabweans in South Africa,” he said.

He further alleged that while other consultants and lobbyists received payment for their work, he was left without compensation despite fulfilling agreed responsibilities.

“However, when it came time for me to get my agreed remuneration, all the princes, advisors and envoys ran into ivory towers, and I was left standing alone,” he wrote.

Despite the dispute, Matinyarare indicated he was prepared to engage in dialogue.

“Let us have a round table and resolve what is clearly an issue that can be resolved amicably if hearts and minds are focused on reconciliation, nation building, and unity,” he said.

His response appeared to be welcomed by Tungwarara, who subsequently extended a more explicit offer.

Tungwarara said he hoped Matinyarare would de-escalate criticism directed at Mnangagwa and CAB3 and invited him to collect a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series.

“Because you have shown the right attitude, I hope you are going to de-escalate the attacks on the President and everyone else,” Tungwarara wrote. “As a first condition for our upcoming roundtable meeting, I want you to come and collect your Toyota 300 Series.”

In a follow-up message directed to Matinyarare, he added: “Your car is ready to be collected. Congratulations! Let us find an amicable way of resolving our differences.”

The exchange has reignited debate over the growing trend of high-profile gifts being offered to public figures, activists, clergy, musicians and politicians. Tungwarara openly defended the practice, arguing that resolving grievances was preferable to allowing public disputes to damage the President's image.

“We cannot tolerate a system wherein we passively observe individuals disparaging the President under the pretext of claiming outstanding dues,” he wrote. “If we must go out of our way to settle these grievances for the greater good of our leader, then so be it.”

He added that it was preferable for criticism to be directed at him personally rather than at the President.

The development comes amid heightened political debate surrounding CAB3 and follows recent controversies involving businessman Wicknell Chivayo and gifts to politicians who have publicly supported the proposed constitutional amendments. Whether Matinyarare ultimately accepts the vehicle remains unclear, but the public offer has already intensified discussion about political influence, patronage, public accountability, and the boundaries between philanthropy and political persuasion in Zimbabwe.

Paul Tungwarara Rutendo Matinyarare