📰 𝗧𝗮𝗴𝘄𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗶 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗭𝗮𝗻𝘂-𝗣𝗙 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDbHKp3GJOtlMM4PA39 https://wa.me/263718497005?text=advert Business tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei has stepped out of the shadows and into the political limelight, sparking renewed speculation over his ambitions to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa. His emotional appearance at the United Family International Church (UFIC) youth conference, where he shared his rags-to-riches story and defended Mnangagwa, has been interpreted as a calculated bid to court public favour and align himself with Zimbabwe’s youth and religious constituencies. Tagwirei’s increasing visibility, particularly his recent co-option into the Zanu-PF Central Committee and appointment as chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, signals a transition from political influencer to direct political player. Analysts say this shift positions him strategically in the Zanu-PF succession race amid rising tensions between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga. As Mnangagwa’s final constitutional term ends in 2028, reports indicate he aims to extend his rule to 2030, a move fiercely opposed by Chiwenga’s faction, which includes war veterans and military loyalists. In this escalating power struggle, Tagwirei has emerged as a trusted Mnangagwa ally and possible successor. His influence, unlike Chiwenga’s military background, is rooted in financial clout and deep networks across religion, business, and the media. His close relationships with church leaders, including Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and his strong standing in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, have strengthened his appeal among religious voters. He has also launched numerous philanthropic projects, including free medical services and football sponsorships, moves that critics say are more political strategy than altruism. However, Tagwirei’s ascent is not without controversy. While he portrays himself as a self-made entrepreneur, his wealth has grown through association with state-linked programmes such as Command Agriculture and Kuvimba Mining. Allegations of cronyism and opaque deals continue to shadow his public image. Moreover, Tagwirei’s lack of a political base and experience in governance could work against him. His ambition risks provoking powerful rivals, especially Chiwenga, and may upset the delicate political and military balance in Zanu-PF. Yet his growing connections to influential figures in the military suggest he may not be without protection. In Zimbabwe’s fraught political landscape, where power often rests on a blend of military backing, financial leverage, and loyalty, Tagwirei’s emergence as a contender represents a bold yet risky gamble. Whether he rises or falls may depend on how deftly he plays this high-stakes game—one where wealth and scripture alone may not be enough. -businessdaily