Zimbabweans React As Lawyer Tawanda Nyambirai Declares Open Bias For President Mnangagwa In Fiery Post

Social Media Condemns Tawanda Nyambirai’s ‘Selfish’ Mnangagwa Support Declaration

Prominent Zimbabwean lawyer and businessman Tawanda Nyambirai has ignited a social media firestorm after openly declaring his unwavering bias for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, stating his support is rooted in decades of personal experience and loyalty. In a detailed thread on X, the legal practitioner defended his position on the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, explaining that his backing of the President stems from specific acts of kindness and fairness shown to him over the years, including the return of his farms after a twenty-year wait.

‘I Say So Openly And Without Apology’

Nyambirai took to social media to address what he termed “speculation” about his attitude toward the President following his recent commentary on the constitutional amendments. The businessman, who serves on several corporate boards, laid bare his personal history with Mnangagwa dating back to his days as a young lawyer.

“My position, however, has never changed — I have supported President Mnangagwa from before he became President until now. And I will continue to support him,” Nyambirai wrote.

“I have a strong bias in favour of President Mnangagwa. I say so openly and without apology. It is rooted in personal experience.”

Nyambirai recounted his time as the youngest board member of the National Empowerment Corporation, where he reported to the Indigenisation Committee chaired by then Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa. He described a meeting where he faced what he called “petty and false allegations” from his former law firm.

“At one meeting, I was attacked over petty and false allegations that arose from Kantor & Immerman — that I was some sort of ‘uncle Tom.’ Because I had been allocated computers ahead of others. Many remained silent in the presence of the powerful committee members. But Chairman Mushore stood by me,” Nyambirai detailed.

“President Mnangagwa immediately shut the matter down. He reminded the room that we were there to discuss policy, not gossip from a law firm. He was firm. Decisive. Focused. Fair.”

The lawyer also shared how Mnangagwa, then Minister of Justice, once sent him a letter challenging his legal perspective on a board matter, a lesson he claims has “stayed with me for decades.”

‘My Farms Are Back’

Perhaps the most compelling element of Nyambirai’s defence centred on the return of his agricultural land, which he lost in 2002 during the fast-track land reform programme. The businessman revealed a twenty-year journey that ultimately led to the restoration of his property through presidential intervention.

“In 2002, when my farms were taken, the late Vice President Msika told me plainly: ‘The only person who can resolve this is Emmerson.’ Through a friend, I met him. In a brief meeting, he advised me to vacate and wait,” Nyambirai wrote.

“I did. I waited nearly twenty years. Today, my farms are back.”

He added a character assessment of the President based on their interactions spanning decades.

“President Mnangagwa has been consistent with me. Firm. Decisive. Fair. At times feared, yes — but predictable in his reasoning and clear in his direction,” Nyambirai stated.

“So when people question my stance, understand this: my support is not blind. It is informed by lived experience. You may label me as you wish. I do not repay good with ingratitude.”

Social Media Erupts In Condemnation

The thread was met with swift and severe criticism from Zimbabweans across the political spectrum, with many accusing Nyambirai of prioritising personal gain over constitutional principles. Investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was among the first to respond.

“Brother Tawanda Nyambirai openly and without apology admits that he has a strong bias in favour of President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” Chin’ono posted. “That admission alone disqualifies him from presenting himself as an objective constitutional commentator on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.”

Business consultant Samkeliso Tshuma challenged what he described as the “zvangu zvaita” syndrome – a Shona phrase roughly translating to “as for me, I’m fine” – which critics say represents a selfish attitude prevalent among Zimbabwe’s elite.

“The Zvangu zvaita syndrome is why Zimbabwe is where it is today,” Tshuma wrote.

Nyambirai fired back, defending his record of community contribution.

“You and I can each put our records on the table, and let people judge for themselves who truly suffers from the ‘zvangu zvaita’ syndrome,” Nyambirai responded. “I have sponsored the education of many people through to university. I have provided housing to nearly a thousand people. I have stood up for the human rights of others, often at personal risk to myself and my family. I employ over a thousand people who depend on me for their livelihood.”

The exchange grew increasingly heated when Tshuma raised the issue of Gukurahundi, the 1980s disturbances in Matabeleland during which an estimated 20,000 civilians were killed by government forces. Nyambirai revealed personal trauma connected to the period.

“Why are you bringing Gukurahundi into this discussion?” Nyambirai asked. “I choose not to talk about Gukurahundi. I have relatives in Zviseko, Chiwundura who were burnt to death in their house because they failed to pronounce some click sounds. I still visualize the devastation on my late father’s face when he told us of what had happened.”

Other commentators were less sympathetic. User @Mncedisi_mengu summarised the sentiment of many critics.

“So basically: ‘I got my farm back, so I’ll back constitutional changes because I trust the man behind them.’ Can you hear how that sounds? Personal gratitude isn’t a substitute for defending constitutional principles.”

Academics also weighed in, with Dr Chipo Dendere drawing parallels to selective experiences of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.

“I remember someone tweeting that healthcare in Zimbabwe was okay because their cousin, or a cousin of a cousin, owned a private hospital in Borrowdale,” Dr Dendere posted. “Same energy. The fact that your farms were taken should worry you because land rights weren’t respected. Rule of law matters.”

Some questioned the timing and wisdom of Nyambirai’s declaration. User @Davis_Laque asked pointedly:

“The constitution should be sacrificed because you have acts of kindness to pay back?”

The online exchange has intensified scrutiny around Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 and the broader debate about loyalty, governance and constitutional reform in Zimbabwe.