HARARE – Kudakwashe Tagwirei was publicly embarrassed on Thursday after he was ordered out of a meeting of Zanu PF’s central committee in Harare.
The Sakunda Holdings boss, who is reportedly eyeing a run for the party’s presidency, had taken a seat in the conference centre at the party’s headquarters following a recommendation for his co-option by the provincial party in Harare.
But the arrival of vice president Constantino Chiwenga, the frontrunner to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa who is serving his second and final term, dramatically changed the mood in the room.
Chiwenga, upon noticing Tagwirei, sent party officials to escort him out. A confused Tagwirei initially remained rooted to his seat, trying to understand what was happening, according to those present.
Tagwirei, who had arrived at the conference venue flanked by Zanu PF political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha and Goodwills Masimirembwa, Zanu PF’s chairman in Harare, eventually accepted his fate, triggering much chatter in the room – and outside – over why he had been removed.
Zanu PF’s director of information Farai Marapira, emerging from the meeting, explained that members recommended for co-option into the central committee should first have their membership ratified by the body, before they can attend meetings.
The ratification of Tagwirei’s membership would have been on the agenda but for a late decision- it is said by Chiwenga – to defer the item to the next meeting. The basis, it was explained, was that there were pending recommendations by other provinces for co-option of members, and the party’s commissariat department should consolidate that list and bring it for ratification at the next meeting.
The central committee meets once every three months.
“The central committee has to ratify those cadres first before they assume membership in the body,” Marapira said.
The clumsiness of the handling of Tagwirei’s presence in the room would have left him with few doubts about the bruising battle ahead if he intends to outflank rivals and occupy Mnangagwa’s seat.
Temba Mliswa, a former Zanu PF member and provincial chairman, said Tagwirei’s ejection reflected “poorly on the party’s internal dynamics.”
Mliswa observed: “The decision to remove him through security smacks of unwarranted humiliation, especially when considering that he had previously been permitted entry by the same security.
“One must question the wisdom of allowing someone in only to later subject them to indignity. This incident starkly illuminates the reality of factional divisions within the ruling party, if not personal vendettas against Tagwirei.”
The tycoon who is under American and British sanctions for corruption, has been accused of trying to capture the party after buying nearly 300 vehicles for distribution to all central committee and politburo members.
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