Mliswa Explains Why Tagwirei Still Qualifies For ZANU PF Central Committee
Kudakwashe Tagwirei, the controversial businessman at the centre of a political storm in ZANU PF, can still secure a seat in the Central Committee even though he does not meet the standard five-year party service requirement, according to independent legislator Temba Mliswa.
In a comprehensive thread posted on X on 24 July 2025, Mliswa explained that ZANU PF’s internal rules make provision for waivers that can allow strategically important individuals to ascend into top party structures—even without fulfilling the party’s constitutional prerequisites.
His explanation follows days of public attacks on Tagwirei’s nomination by ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who accused the businessman of attempting to “buy power” and warned that the ruling party was “not for sale”.
‘Waivers Have Helped Ministers Get In Before’
Mliswa argued that the waiver mechanism is neither new nor irregular.
“Here is a comprehensive clarification of the protocols governing ZANU PF’s approach to Central Committee candidacy for individuals who do not fulfil standard eligibility criteria. The provision for waivers serves as an established mechanism that has been used before,”
Mliswa wrote on X.
He said the Politburo has previously approved similar exemptions for high-profile individuals such as Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Sekai Nzenza, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, and former Health Minister Obadiah Moyo.
He explained that the waiver process involves multiple steps:
- A candidate may apply or be nominated by their Provincial Executive Committee.
- The Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) reviews the application—even if the candidate does not meet the constitutional criteria.
- The application is then referred to the National Elections Directorate, which submits it to the Politburo for a final decision.
“If the candidate is deemed suitable, the Politburo may grant a waiver, thus formally exempting them from the standard qualifications,”
Mliswa noted.
Mliswa pointed out that the Politburo considers several factors when deciding on waivers, including whether the person is a Cabinet Minister, a technocrat, or someone who has shown “consistent loyalty and strategic value” to ZANU PF.
“No one can argue against Tagwirei as lacking any of the above values for ZANU PF!”
Mliswa stated.
‘Harare Province Followed Procedure’
The businessman’s name reportedly came from a nomination by Harare Province, prompting speculation that the move had been engineered to fast-track his entry into the Central Committee.
“Tagwirei’s candidacy was propelled by a nomination from Harare Province,”
Mliswa confirmed.
He explained that although Tagwirei had not held a provincial or District Coordinating Committee (DCC) post for five years, the nomination process was still in line with established procedures.
“The fact that someone lacks the five-year service does not automatically disqualify them. The Politburo must evaluate and either reject or waive the requirement.”
‘Mutsvangwa Using Rules To Eliminate Rivals’
Mliswa’s clarification appears to be a direct rebuttal to comments made by Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa in a press conference on 21 July 2025, where the party spokesperson declared that ZANU PF would not tolerate attempts to manipulate party structures using financial influence.
“Leadership in ZANU PF is determined by the vote, not by money or peddled influence,”
Mutsvangwa said.
He accused Tagwirei of distributing cars to Harare-based officials in a bid to gain favour for his nomination to the Central Committee.
“If you think you can buy all the voters of Zimbabwe, think again.”
However, Mliswa dismissed these claims as politically motivated, arguing that Mutsvangwa was hiding behind party regulations to target perceived internal rivals.
“Mutsvangwa harbours ambitions of being ZANU PF leader and sees both VP Chiwenga and Tagwirei as stumbling blocks to the realisation of that dream… It’s not about rules; it’s about political convenience,”
he wrote.
He said Mutsvangwa had a history of manoeuvring within the party to remove competitors, citing past examples.
“He instigated the ouster of Joice Mujuru under false pretences and later replaced Jabulani Sibanda as War Veterans leader in 2014 by taking advantage of internal disagreements.”
Mliswa accused Mutsvangwa of only becoming active during politically safe moments.
“In 2017, during the Restore Legacy campaign, while others were working the ground and lobbying across platforms, Mutsvangwa retreated. He only resurfaced when the dust had settled.”
‘Don’t Use Tagwirei When Convenient’
The outspoken Norton legislator also raised a moral argument, questioning how the party could benefit from Tagwirei’s financial contributions while sidelining him from decision-making structures.
“It would be the height of irony and perhaps a bit of injustice for the party to bask in the glow of Tagwirei’s generosity… while simultaneously blocking him from inclusion in the party’s hierarchy.”
He urged ZANU PF to consider a funding model like South Africa’s ANC, which owns companies and businesses to reduce reliance on individuals.
“Let the party own assets and control its own purse strings instead of depending on financiers.”
Despite the backlash, ZANU PF’s Harare Province has not issued a formal retraction of its support for Tagwirei as of the time of publication.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Tagwirei Can Still Make It Into ZANU PF Central Committee Despite Eligibility Concerns: Mliswa appeared first on iHarare News.
