By Violet Mashonga
A broad alliance of Zanu-PF affiliate organisations have rallied behind Presidential Adviser Dr Paul Tungwarara, calling on party leadership to take a “fresh and inclusive view” of his recent co-option into the party’s Central Committee.
The affiliates, drawn from diverse grassroots formations across the party, say the move reflects popular sentiment and affirms Dr Tungwarara’s long-standing record in empowerment, social development and party mobilisation.
Groundswell of Support
The endorsement has been voiced by several affiliate groupings, including:
Hairdressers 4ED – led by Kerisia Dagwaira
Women Empowerment Forum (Lone Mothers) – under Julia Siwetshe
Boys Dzamdara – headed by Hopwell Chako
Journalists 4ED – led by Violet Mashonga
Pastors 4ED – under Cllr Doc Idirashe Dongo
Farmers 4ED – led by Tapiwa Chitate
Mandimba 4ED – under Allan Magaya
Young Women of Africa – led by Rose Tagarepi
Hustlers 4ED – under Ability Chapanda, among others
In a joint statement, the affiliates praised Dr Tungwarara for what they described as “tangible and life-changing interventions,” citing housing projects, empowerment initiatives and direct community support that have uplifted vulnerable groups.
They characterised him as a disciplined party cadre who works closely with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and faithfully adheres to party structures, aligning with the President’s development philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Provincial–National Tensions Emerge
The show of solidarity comes against the backdrop of an emerging dispute between Manicaland provincial structures and the party’s National Commissariat, which recently nullified Dr Tungwarara’s co-option on procedural grounds.
Provincial leaders insist the process complied with party regulations, arguing that the recommendation originated from Chipinge District—the same administrative area as the outgoing Central Committee member—thereby satisfying constitutional requirements.
The Chipinge District Coordinating Committee formally nominated Dr Tungwarara as a replacement, a decision that has since been endorsed by the Manicaland Provincial Coordinating Committee. The province has reportedly convened several extraordinary meetings, marked by song, dance and ululation, to demonstrate unity, organisational discipline and unwavering support for the co-option.
Senior provincial officials have cautioned that the national directive was premature, maintaining that Manicaland will continue to recognise Dr Tungwarara as its preferred and unifying candidate.
A Test of Party Dynamics
The unfolding developments underscore growing tensions between provincial autonomy and centralised authority in party appointments. For affiliates and provincial leaders alike, Dr Tungwarara’s elevation is framed as both a reward for loyalty and a reflection of grassroots confidence in his leadership.
As the matter awaits resolution, dialogue between national and provincial leadership is expected to determine the final outcome, with party unity and constitutional processes firmly in the spotlight.
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