By Akson Potera
21 November 2025
The emergence of Kudakwashe Tagwirei in Zimbabwe’s political landscape has sent shockwaves through the ruling Zanu-PF party. The young entrepreneur’s influence has sparked a power struggle between three key players: Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Chris Mutswangwa, and Constantino Chiwenga. This triangle of power will likely shape Zimbabwe’s future, with each angle vying for dominance.
The Players:
1. Kudakwashe Tagwirei: A businessman with no traditional war credentials, Tagwirei’s rise to prominence is seen as a challenge to the old guard. His influence within Zanu-PF is growing, but many view him as an outsider. He is not a product of Chitepo School of Ideology which means some feel that the principles and ideology of Zanu-PF will be compromised under Tagwirei.
2. Chris Mutswangwa: A war veteran and current Minister, Mutswangwa is a staunch opponent of Tagwirei’s potential presidency. He argues that those who have stolen from the people cannot buy their way into power. Mutsvangwa has no support in Zanu-PF but his reasons for not supporting Tagwirei are very genuine, especially on the corruption issue.
3. Constantino Chiwenga: The Vice-President and former army chief, Chiwenga’s influence is rooted in his military background and role in the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe. His ties to the military and party machinery give him significant leverage.
The Dynamics:
The power struggle between these three players is complex. Mutswangwa’s opposition to Tagwirei’s potential presidency is driven by concerns about corruption and the use of ill-gotten wealth to buy influence. However, this stance may inadvertently benefit Chiwenga, who is seen as the most powerful figure in the triangle.
Chiwenga’s advantage lies in his military background and control of the party’s machinery. As the current Vice-President, he is well-positioned to consolidate power. Meanwhile, Tagwirei’s lack of war credentials and perceived corruption make him vulnerable to attacks from Mutswangwa and others.
The Outcome:
In the short term, it appears that Chiwenga is likely to emerge victorious. His control of the party machinery and military backing give him a strong foundation. Unless “the accident or cancer acid” intervenes, Chiwenga’s position seems secure.
However, the long-term outcome is less certain. Zimbabwe’s politics is known for its unpredictability, and the emergence of new players or shifts in alliances could alter the balance of power.
The triangle of power in Zimbabwe is a complex web of interests and alliances. As the country approaches the Zanu-PF elective congress, the stakes are high. While Chiwenga appears to be in a strong position, the ultimate outcome will depend on the party’s internal dynamics and the ability of each player to navigate the complex landscape of Zimbabwean politics.