Presidential Advisor on Investments, Dr Paul Tungwarara, has emerged as a strong advocate of broad-based empowerment, working closely with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to uplift ordinary Zimbabweans through the Presidential Empowerment Fund.
Dr Tungwarara has also demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the party and the President, notably during the Geza attacks. At a time when Blessed Geza launched sustained attacks against the President, Dr Tungwarara stood firm in defence of the Head of State, taking a principled stance despite the risks involved.
Meanwhile, the ZANU PF Manicaland Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) has formally endorsed Dr Tungwarara for co-option into the ruling party’s Central Committee.
The endorsement follows a resolution by the Chipinge District Coordinating Committee (DCC), which nominated Dr Tungwarara as the preferred candidate to fill the vacancy left by Cde Dorothy Mabika. Cde Mabika, who is from Chipinge, stepped down from the main wing earlier this year after being elected Provincial Women’s League Chairlady.
This latest endorsement replaces an earlier recommendation made last week, which was set aside after the National Commissariat Department raised concerns over possible procedural irregularities. In a circular signed by National Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, referencing a Legal Affairs Department circular dated June 30, 2025, it was directed that any replacement must come from the same administrative district as the outgoing member. This directive effectively positioned Chipinge as the rightful source of the successor.
ZANU PF Manicaland Chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, said following the directive, the Chipinge DCC convened an urgent meeting and resolved to endorse Dr Tungwarara’s candidature. The resolution was subsequently adopted by the PCC, underscoring the province’s commitment to promoting deserving cadres.
“We made a recommendation last week regarding the Central Committee co-option, and afterwards we received a letter from the National Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, nullifying the earlier co-option of Dr Tungwarara,” said Cde Mukodza.
Central Committee members from Chipinge who attended the PCC meeting reaffirmed the district’s recommendation, describing it as legitimate and reflective of the will of the people of Chipinge. They appealed to the party leadership to respect and uphold the nomination.
Cde Winnie Mlambo voiced strong support, saying:
“We fully support the co-option of Dr Tungwarara because we are convinced he comes from our district. He is our child, and we are not changing our position. We stand firmly behind his co-option as the Chipinge representative.”
Following the presentation of Chipinge’s resolution, several party members seconded the motion in support of Dr Tungwarara’s inclusion in the Central Committee.
Central Committee member Cde Esau Mupfumi also backed the endorsement, describing Dr Tungwarara as the most suitable candidate given the significant contribution he is expected to make to the province.
“We accepted the decision taken by Chipinge. Manicaland has adopted Chipinge’s position, and we are united and satisfied with this move,” he said.
All wings of the party expressed confidence in Dr Tungwarara’s candidature, citing the value and experience he would bring to the revolutionary party in Manicaland.