Dear Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei,
I am writing this letter during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This annual period invariably compels me, and many other young women, to confront the stark realities of our society: the values we uphold, the leaders we tolerate, and the example set by families who wield immense power. The last few days on social media have been particularly disheartening; the sheer volume of posts detailing violence, body-shaming, and the unchecked abuse of power is overwhelming. It is the lived reality of excess, humiliation, and leadership that frequently fails to protect the very people it is meant to serve.
This context is why I felt compelled to address something different.
I have frequently encountered your name on various platforms, often associated with the label ‘chigananda’—a term now widely used to signify ostentatious wealth, vulgar behaviour, and the reckless exercise of influence. My interest was piqued precisely because I live in a Harare medium-density suburb where the struggle for dignity is a daily constant, where the display of such wealth can feel like a direct insult. When I tried to reconcile this negative label with the scant public information about your personal journey, the young geologist who faced job loss and rebuilt it created a noticeable contradiction. While I have no personal knowledge of you, it appears, from the outside, that you have cultivated both a successful business and a family known for its discipline. In a country where many of the wealthy use their money as a loud instrument of showmanship and public belittling, that level of restraint is a striking departure.
As a young Zimbabwean woman navigating the complexities of our capital, what I primarily observe is what we do not see from your family, and this is crucial to my perspective.
Your children are not using Zimbabwe as a mere photo backdrop for social media flexing. They are absent from the feeds that showcase private jets to Dubai or borrowed sports cars being recklessly driven down Borrowdale Road solely for attention. They appear focused on their education and private lives. They return home without creating public drama. They project the image of young adults who were raised with clear boundaries and strong guidance. For those of us who see severe inequality displayed in our faces every day, this unusual level of discretion is not just noticeable; it is respectable.
Similarly, there is Mai Tagwirei. At 25, I, like many of my peers, observe the wives of powerful men as role models or cautionary tales. The single image I recall seeing of her was one of quiet dignity: modestly dressed, engaged in community philanthropy in a place like Nyanga. She does not chase online attention or ‘likes.’ She does not flaunt expensive designer labels while the majority of our country struggles to afford necessities. When I attempted to look her up, I realised how minimal her public digital footprint is. During these 16 Days of Activism, when the online noise is so often about degradation and disrespect, witnessing a woman who maintains such a professional and reserved presence sends a powerful message about dignity.
Your philanthropic work in your church and community also appears to be conducted without the usual fanfare. I learned about projects, boreholes, school fees, clinics, and Arundel Hospital not through press releases, but from a sick relative. They told me of receiving life-saving care at the hospital without paying a cent. In a country where violence is not just physical, but also emotional and economic, this approach suggests that wealth does not have to be an instrument of control or intimidation.
This is the foundation for the request I am respectfully making.
Since you have managed to accumulate wealth while keeping your family grounded and avoiding unnecessary public chaos, I am asking you to speak directly to your peers. To the business leaders. To the political figures. To the men whose default setting is to use power as a license to insult others, or to exploit money to control their wives and take advantage of young women. Please use your quiet influence. We desperately need more men who understand that fundamental respect and dignity are non-negotiable foundations for a healthy society. This is a vital component of building a safer Zimbabwe for us all.
If appropriate, I hope Mai Tagwirei might also engage the wives of these influential men. Gender-based violence is fueled by more than just physical assault; it includes the intense pressure, competition, and insecurity that toxic, high-profile lifestyles create within homes. We need women with influence who prioritise community upliftment over personal competition, and who ground their families instead of enabling harmful, attention-seeking public displays.
To an outsider, your family seems to offer proof that significant wealth and profound decency can coexist. As a young Zimbabwean woman who dreams of raising children in a more secure and respectful country, that example is profoundly important. It demonstrates that a different model of leadership and family life is indeed possible.
I respectfully ask you to help cultivate this quiet culture of responsibility. Zimbabwe is exhausted by the loud, careless, and often vulgar displays of wealth and power. We need a fundamental shift in behaviour, not just in boardrooms or political offices but in the ethical conduct of the most influential families. That shift can reduce violence, restore dignity, and encourage healthier relationships across the board.
You have shown one example. I sincerely hope you can inspire others to follow it.
With respect and hope,
A young Zimbabwean woman in Harare who believes this country can still produce decent, grounded, and responsible leaders.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Open Letter to Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei from Young Women during 16 Days of Activism Against GBV appeared first on iHarare News.
