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Kuda Tagwirei Bribes Traditional Leaders With 2500 USD Cash As Tension Rises Over Presidential Term Extension<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 Controversial Businessman and presidential advisor Kudakwashe Tagwirei has sparked controversy after handing out cash to traditional leaders during an event in Headlands, Manicaland Province, amid growing political tensions over calls to extend the presidential term of Emmerson Mnangagwa.<\/p>\n
The development emerged following remarks by Zanu PF Youth League deputy commissar Taurai Kandishaya, who confirmed that Tagwirei represented Mnangagwa at the official opening of the Taguta Energy Service Station at Halfway in Headlands on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Kandishaya said the ceremony involved leaders of the Johanne Marange Apostolic Church and was attended by traditional chiefs and ruling party officials.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuided by Almighty God, in Jesus\u2019 name, today I joined Mutumwa St Nimrod, our leader at Johanne Marange Apostolic, and President ED Mnangagwa (represented by Dr Kuda Tagwirei) to officially open Taguta Energy Service Station at Halfway in Headlands, Manicaland province,\u201d Kandishaya said.<\/p>\n
He added that government support had enabled the church to expand its social and economic activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnlike in the past where indigenous churches had nothing to show on the economic aspect, the new dispensation has brought empowerment that doesn\u2019t leave out religious sects,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Kandishaya said the church had built numerous institutions around the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Johanne Marange church has built over 65 schools around the country, as well as multiple businesses for continuity and sustainability. President ED Mnangagwa, through Dr Tagwirei, extended a hand in the house of Lord by contributing $1 million for refurbishment, a fuel tanker, and scholarships for church school kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Johanne Marange Apostolic Church was founded around 1932 in Bocha, Marange, and has grown into one of Zimbabwe\u2019s largest apostolic sects.<\/p>\n
Kandishaya said several traditional leaders attended the gathering and were given financial gifts and livestock by Tagwirei.
\u201cChiefs Chipunza, Makoni, Chiduku, and Marange attended, and Dr Kuda Tagwirei, representing President ED Mnangagwa, gave them $2500 each as thanks for supporting church activities. They also received 6 cattle (5 heifers and 1 bull).\u201d<\/p>\n
The event was also attended by ruling party officials and government representatives including Zanu PF Makoni District Coordinating Committee chairman Kudzi Chipanga, provincial youth league vice chairman Victor Saunyama, Member of Parliament Mapfumo and businessman Basil Nyabadza.<\/p>\n
Tagwirei, a prominent businessman and close ally of Mnangagwa, serves as chairperson of the Land Tenure Committee and is a member of the Zanu PF Central Committee.<\/p>\n
However, critics have described the cash handouts to traditional leaders as a form of political patronage, raising concerns that the gesture may be linked to efforts to consolidate support for potential constitutional changes that could extend Mnangagwa\u2019s time in office.<\/p>\n
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