By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE — There was jubilation and excitement in Parliament on Tuesday as prominent businessman and philanthropist Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei was sworn in as a member of Parliament’s upper house, marking his official entry into formal legislative office.
Dr Tagwirei took his oath amid a flurry of celebration among parliamentarians. He is one of 10 new Senators recommended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa under the newly enacted Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3.
The ceremony, presided over by Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda, marked the formal entry of the Sakunda Holdings founder into legislative office.
Business Expertise for Senate
Speaking after his swearing-in, Dr Tagwirei said he had not expected to be appointed but intended to bring his business experience into parliamentary debates.
“I come from the business fraternity and also am an entrepreneur,” he said. “From that, I hope to bring that expertise into Senate, into debate, so that we can grow the economy in line with Vision 2030”.
Dr Tagwirei flanked by members of his family after the swearing in ceremony
He also expressed hope to contribute to efforts to improve the operating environment for businesses.
A Notable Appointment
Tagwirei is the founder of Sakunda Holdings, a Zimbabwean company with interests in sectors including energy, agriculture and logistics.
His business interests have seen him involved in government-backed programmes, including fuel supply initiatives and the Presidential Inputs Programme.
His appointment comes as the government seeks to draw on expertise from the private sector as it pursues its target of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Tagwirei, who also serves as Mnangagwa’s advisor, joined active politics last year after being appointed to Zanu PF’s powerful Central Committee. He also chairs the Land Tenure Implementation Committee.
Full List of New Senators
The 10 senators sworn in are Jabulani Sibanda, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, Nokuthula Matsikenyere, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Godwills Masimirembwa, Lucy Chitaga, Retired Major-General Gibson Mashingaidze, Makhosini Hlongwane, Brilliant Dube and Irene Mutumbwa.
They were recommended for their “professional skills and other competencies” in terms of the Zimbabwe Constitution.
A Significant Day
For Dr Tagwirei, Tuesday marked a historic moment as he transitioned from the centre of Zimbabwe’s business world into the country’s formal political establishment.
The newly appointed senators are expected to take part in parliamentary debates on economic policy and other national issues when the Senate resumes.
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