Political commentator and former government advisor, Acie Lumumba, has accused Zanu-PF’s Harare Province of orchestrating what he described as a “political Ponzi scheme” to exploit businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s ambitions within the ruling party.
In a video statement circulating online, Lumumba born William Gerald Mutumanje claimed that the province misled Tagwirei by “selling him a seat at the high table,” despite having no intention of allowing him genuine political influence. He said Tagwirei was drawn into a transactional environment where financial support was welcomed but political advancement was never truly on offer.
“Harare Province, Zanu-PF, these non-sophisticates with slick moves and empty promises, orchestrated what I can only describe as the political equivalent of a Ponzi scheme,” said Lumumba.
He described the province as the “weakest” in the ruling party’s structure, accusing its leaders of being more focused on personal gain than party ideology. According to Lumumba, the businessmen were lured into funding initiatives and political activities under false pretenses.
“Tagwirei was made to open his wallet wide, knowing full well that he was being sold dreams by individuals with no real political capital. They are performers walking around with empty briefcases,” he added.
Lumumba also pointed to Tagwirei’s recent ejection from a Zanu-PF Central Committee meeting as further evidence of internal resistance to his growing influence. While early reports suggested expulsion, subsequent clarifications indicated procedural issues regarding his co-option process.
He referenced statements by Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who has recently criticised Tagwirei, as signs of a coordinated effort within the party elite to block the businessman’s political rise.
Lumumba concluded that Tagwirei’s experience illustrates the limitations of wealth in Zimbabwe’s political arena, warning that “in Zanu-PF’s complex hierarchy, certain key pillars are simply not for sale.”
