Scott Sakupwanya Forks Out US$200 000 For Mnangagwa Portrait At Scholarship Auction

Sakupwanya Pays US$200 000 For Mnangagwa Portrait At Scholarship Fundraiser

Mabvuku Member of Parliament and businessman Scott Sakupwanya forked out US$200 000 (approximately R3.7 million) for a portrait of President Emmerson Mnangagwa during a charity auction held at the ED-UNZA Scholarship fundraising dinner in Harare.

The high-profile event, which took place on 12 March 2026, brought together business leaders, government officials and other stakeholders who gathered to raise funds for the ED-UNZA Scholarship Trust, a programme aimed at supporting academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students.

The portrait of President Mnangagwa was one of several items auctioned during the evening as part of efforts to boost the scholarship fund.

Sakupwanya made the winning bid for the portrait during the fundraising auction.to support students studying at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and other institutions.

Big-Money Bids At Scholarship Fundraiser

The fundraising dinner saw several high-value bids placed on items connected to President Mnangagwa’s personal and academic history.

Among the most notable purchases was a vintage vehicle linked to the President’s student days. Businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei bought the vehicle during the same auction.

“Another businessman, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, also made headlines after he bought President Mnangagwa’s first car for US$1.8 million,” Crime Watch ZW said.

The vehicle was sold for US$1.8 million (approximately R33.3 million) during the charity auction.

Other memorabilia connected to the President’s time at the University of Zambia were also auctioned to raise funds for the scholarship programme.

Scholarship Fund Supports Education

Speaking at the fundraising dinner, President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of investing in education and skills development.

“By investing in the appropriate education and skills development, we are laying a solid foundation for long-term modernisation, industrialisation and development for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Sadc and indeed the African continent at large,” the President said.

He added that the scholarship programme focuses on fields such as medicine, science and technology.

President Mnangagwa explained that the initiative was established to help talented students who may not have the financial means to pursue tertiary education.

“Across our rural and urban communities, there are brilliant young men and women with the capacity to transform our societies. Many of these bright young minds however, remain locked out of higher education,” he said.

He said the scholarship trust was created to bridge that gap by providing financial support for tuition, accommodation and learning resources.

Programme Launched In 2019

The ED-UNZA Scholarship Trust, launched in 2019, pays tribute to President Mnangagwa’s time studying law at the University of Zambia during the 1970s.

According to remarks delivered at the event, the programme has already produced graduates.

“It is pleasing that 10 students have graduated, with a further two to graduate by year end,” President Mnangagwa said.

He encouraged the private sector and other stakeholders to continue supporting the scholarship programme.

“Your generous contributions will go a long way to ensure that deserving students receive the necessary financial assistance for their tuition, accommodation and other essential learning tools,” he said.

The fundraising dinner concluded with several major contributions, including Scott Sakupwanya’s US$200 000 (R3.7 million) purchase of the portrait and Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s US$1.8 million (R33.3 million) bid for the President’s vintage car, with proceeds directed towards the scholarship fund.