Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Douglas Mwonzora has accused powerful elites of orchestrating a covert campaign to seize political and economic control of Epworth, warning that the suburb has become a target for what he described as “criminal philanthropy.”
Addressing journalists at the MDC headquarters, Mwonzora singled out business mogul Kudakwashe Tagwirei, accusing him of using criminal networks and disguised charitable acts to influence voters and entrench economic dominance in the area.
“Epworth has now become a home ground of fake money,” Mwonzora claimed. “This is a racket being run by criminal gangs connected to the rich and powerful. They are dishing out false charity to control the economy of Epworth.”
From Politics to Tenderpreneurs
The MDC leader said the party’s fight had evolved beyond opposition to the ruling ZANU-PF and was now directed at politically ambitious business elites whom he described as “tenderpreneurs” or “Zvigananda” individuals using ill-gotten wealth to pursue political power.
“Our fight is no longer against the ZANU-PF candidate only. It is against the tenderpreneurs trying to use the Epworth election as a springboard into senior positions within ZANU-PF. They are flaunting wealth and using fake charity for political gain.”
Mwonzora criticized the narrow scope of Tagwirei’s recent donations, questioning the sincerity and timing of his supposed philanthropic efforts.
“What is five youths compared to the youth population of Epworth?” he asked. “Why wasn’t Mr. Tagwirei doing this before? This isn’t charity it’s vote buying under the guise of generosity.”
Sharp Criticism of Tagwirei’s Political Role
The MDC leader went further, directly challenging Tagwirei’s political relevance, labeling him as an incompetent politician who has failed to secure a meaningful role within ZANU-PF.
“He is one of the most incompetent politicians I have ever seen,” Mwonzora said. “He has tried using money and luxury cars to get into ZANU-PF’s central committee and has failed.”
He warned that any attempts by Tagwirei to influence the Epworth by-election through financial leverage would be rejected by the people.
“Epworth cannot be bought,” Mwonzora concluded. “No amount of fake charity will erase the truth: this is an assault on democracy by economic elites hiding behind donations.”
The comments come ahead of a tense by-election in Epworth, where concerns over voter manipulation, informal campaign funding, and state-business collusion continue to dominate the political landscape.
