By Staff Reporter
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Youth Action Platform (ZYAP) has hit back at former Finance minister Tendai Biti over his criticism of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion, insisting that the President has the authority to choose his Cabinet.
ZYAP national chairman Tonderai Chidawa accused Biti of fuelling what the youth organisation claims is a campaign to discredit Tagwirei following his rise in Zanu PF and government.
Chidawa suggested that the criticism could be linked to internal party rivalries, although he presented no evidence of a coordinated effort by disgruntled Zanu PF members to undermine the businessman.
“The growing political influence of businessman and Zanu PF stalwart Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei appears to have unsettled powerful interests both inside and outside the ruling party, with former Finance minister Tendai Biti’s blistering attack exposing what ZYAP believes is a coordinated campaign to discredit a man whose rise has become uncomfortable for political rivals,” said Chidawa.
He argued that Biti’s remarks raised questions about whether individuals unhappy with Tagwirei’s growing influence were using external voices to challenge decisions made within Zanu PF.
“ZYAP views Biti’s latest outburst as more than a personal attack on Tagwirei.
It raises questions about whether disgruntled Zanu PF insiders, threatened by Tagwirei’s elevation into the party’s top leadership and government, are using external voices to challenge decisions they cannot openly reverse within the party,” he said.
Chidawa, however, did not identify the alleged insiders or provide evidence linking Biti’s criticism to an organised campaign.
He maintained that Mnangagwa was entitled to appoint ministers within the constitutional framework, arguing that those who had previously benefited from his leadership could not claim a special right to determine his choices.
“The same individuals who benefited from appointments made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa cannot suddenly claim a superior entitlement to public office or demand that the President justify his choices to satisfy their personal ambitions,” he said.
“Mnangagwa appointed the Cabinet and the Vice-Presidents and, through the party’s established structures, presides over the direction of Zanu PF.
“No faction, individual or self-appointed political kingmaker has the right to behave as though the party and its institutions are personal property,” he added.
The row comes amid growing political debate over Tagwirei’s influence within Zanu PF and his entry into Cabinet, raising questions about the intersection of business interests, political power and public office.
Under Zimbabwe’s Constitution, the President appoints ministers, while the appointment of Vice-Presidents is governed separately under Section 92.
ZYAP argued that disagreements over leadership decisions should be handled through established political and constitutional channels rather than used to challenge the authority of the appointing office.
Although Chidawa did not name any party officials allegedly unsettled by Tagwirei’s rise, his remarks placed the dispute within the broader contest over influence and succession in the ruling party.
ZYAP also defended Tagwirei’s business background, saying his involvement in energy, mining and agriculture could contribute to economic development if accompanied by integrity, accountability and respect for the law.
The organisation said Tagwirei should be judged on his performance in public office rather than criticism from political opponents, while acknowledging that credible allegations of corruption or abuse of office should be investigated.
“If Biti or any other individual possesses credible evidence of corruption, abuse of public office or other wrongdoing involving Tagwirei, that evidence should be presented to the relevant authorities for investigation.
“No one should be condemned on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations, and no one should be above accountability,” Chidawa said.
ZYAP challenged Biti to substantiate his criticism, warning that political disputes should not deepen divisions within Zanu PF.
The organisation added that business experience should not automatically disqualify anyone from public service, provided the law was respected and potential conflicts of interest properly managed.
Chidawa urged political actors to put national development ahead of personal ambitions and factional rivalries.
“Hands off Tagwirei! Let the evidence speak, let accountability prevail and let the party’s established structures guide its leadership decisions,” he said.
ZYAP’s statement did not provide independent evidence to support its claims that Tagwirei’s critics were acting in concert with disgruntled Zanu PF insiders.
