Tagwirei, 46, rose from a mid-level fuel trader to one of the country's most powerful businessmen in less than a decade, largely through his close ties to Mnangagwa and his control over the Sable Group, which dominates fuel imports, gold trading, and farming ventures. He is sanctioned by the United States and the European Union for alleged corruption and undermining democratic processes. His influence extends deep into ZANU-PF's war chest, where he funds campaigns and controls lucrative state contracts.
The Rise of Kudakwashe Tagwirei
Tagwirei's ascent has been anything but conventional. Starting as a small-scale fuel distributor, he built a sprawling business empire that now controls critical sectors of the economy. The Sable Group holds a near-monopoly on fuel imports, operates gold-buying schemes that bypass central bank oversight, and runs vast agricultural ventures on state-owned land. His political connections have made him indispensable to Mnangagwa, who has relied on Tagwirei's financial backing to maintain loyalty within the ruling party.
The sanctions imposed by Washington and Brussels have not slowed his influence. Instead, they have insulated him from competition and deepened his reliance on state patronage. Within ZANU-PF, Tagwirei is viewed as both a kingmaker and a liability, with his unchecked power drawing criticism from party veterans and civil society groups alike.
The Power Struggle Behind the Appointment
Chiwenga's faction within ZANU-PF, widely referred to as 'Team Lacoste,' has been in an uneasy alliance with the pro-Mnangagwa 'Team Povo' faction. The vice president's camp believes he is being sidelined because of his independent military-backed power base and his perceived ambitions to succeed Mnangagwa. By replacing him with Tagwirei, Mnangagwa installs a loyalist with no independent political standing – effectively neutralizing any challenge from the vice presidency.
State House has remained silent on the matter. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba dismissed the reports as 'social media chatter,' but the speed at which the narrative has penetrated mainstream outlets suggests coordinated testing of public reaction. Chiwenga himself has stayed publicly silent, though his allies have begun circulating counter-narratives questioning Tagwirei's qualifications and loyalty to the party.
