Zimbabwe woke up to a flurry of social media activity from opposition activists and members of the so-called G50 faction, loudly celebrating what they claim to be a political victory over businessman Dr. Kudakwashe Tagwirei. However, a closer look reveals that this “victory” is not only hollow but based on a contest that never actually existed.
Across various platforms, opposition-aligned commentators declared that Tagwirei had been sidelined or defeated in an alleged ZANU PF leadership race. But this narrative raises a crucial question: what contest are they referring to?
There is currently no leadership contest within ZANU PF. No position has been declared vacant, and Dr. Tagwirei has never publicly or privately announced intentions to contest for any political office within the party. In fact, ZANU PF’s internal processes are not even at the stage where succession battles are on the agenda. This makes the so-called celebrations puzzling, if not outright bizarre.
What these reactions suggest is not a reaction to an actual defeat, but rather a reflection of deep-seated anxiety over Tagwirei’s perceived growing influence. The opposition and certain factions within ZANU PF are treating a hypothetical future scenario as if it were already unfolding.
Opposition Alarmed by Tagwirei’s Rising Influence
There are two key takeaways from this manufactured euphoria:
Opposition Fear: It appears the opposition views Dr. Tagwirei as a formidable potential leader of ZANU PF—one who would be much harder to beat in a national election than other possible contenders. Their “victory dance” is more about relief than triumph.
Internal ZANU PF Anxiety: Factions like the G50 and their allies, including Gezarists, seem intent on pre-emptively discrediting Tagwirei by promoting a narrative of defeat. Their fear is not of losing a fair contest—they fear even having a fair contest at all. Obstruction becomes their only viable strategy.
Interestingly, this entire episode has reaffirmed ZANU PF’s internal coherence and institutional stability. The party’s constitution and procedures are being referenced—not just by members, but even by opposition supporters who previously championed constitution-less political movements like Chamisa’s CCC.
It’s telling that the national conversation, including among opposition ranks, has shifted almost entirely to who will succeed President Mnangagwa within ZANU PF. Hardly anyone in the opposition is still talking seriously about a viable alternative government or candidate from their own side.
Absolutely not. There has been no contest and no defeat. Tagwirei remains very much a player—whether in politics, business, or both. The suggestion that he has been “thrown under the bus” is a fabrication being circulated by those hoping to eliminate a rival before the game even begins.
ZANU PF history is filled with examples showing that real power flows from the grassroots, not from top-down manipulation. Blocking then-Vice President Mnangagwa didn’t work for G40. Attempting to block Jacob Zuma in South Africa’s ANC didn’t work either. Political longevity comes from grassroots mobilisation, not elite conspiracies or viral hashtags.
Those who are rushing to declare Tagwirei’s defeat without grassroots backing will find themselves isolated and irrelevant in the long run.
The G50 faction is largely defunct, with no political capital and zero grassroots credibility. Associating with it is politically toxic—a “kiss of death” for anyone serious about a future in ZANU PF. As for the Gezarist campaign, its origin and support base lie mostly outside Zimbabwe, driven by bitter exiles and online provocateurs rather than real party structures.
Gezarists lack traction within the ruling party. Anyone whose ambitions are driven by their support is unlikely to gain meaningful influence within ZANU PF. Real support is built in the districts, provinces, and branches—not on Twitter and not from London.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been transparent about his plans. Unlike his predecessor, he has repeatedly stated he does not wish to cling to power indefinitely. He has also indicated the kind of orderly, constitutional process he expects to determine his successor.
While the President hasn’t anointed any individual, he has alluded to the qualities and principles he would expect in a future leader—discipline, loyalty to the party, and the ability to preserve ZANU PF’s legacy and stability.
In Zimbabwean politics, as in many liberation movements, ambition alone is not enough. The eventual successor will be the one favoured by both the grassroots and the political “godfathers” who understand the deeper pulse of the nation.
Until then, celebrations over imaginary victories will remain just that—imaginary.
