ZANU-PF for Sale: Wealth Supplants Liberation in Zimbabwe

Table of Contents

The Transformation of ZANU-PF: From Liberation to a Marketplace

ZANU-PF, once the vanguard of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, has undergone a dramatic transformation. What was once a movement driven by ideals of freedom and national unity has now become a political entity dominated by financial interests. Its revolutionary identity is no longer a guiding force but a ceremonial relic, invoked only during official events and public speeches.

The party’s current state reflects a shift from ideological commitment to transactional politics. Instead of being shaped by the principles of its founding, ZANU-PF is now influenced by those who can offer the most financial support. This shift has led to a situation where political power is determined not by merit or experience, but by wealth and proximity to the president.

The Rise of Tenderpreneurs

One of the most prominent figures in this new political landscape is Kudakwashe Tagwirei. His ascent within the party is emblematic of this transformation. Unlike traditional leaders who rose through years of grassroots organizing and service, Tagwirei gained influence through his financial resources. He was co-opted onto the Central Committee in 2025 without any prior formal position in the party, yet he is now seen as a potential successor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Tagwirei’s influence stems from his control over key sectors such as fuel, agriculture, and foreign exchange. He used his wealth to secure loyalty and access, financing the acquisition of hundreds of vehicles for ZANU-PF organs. These actions sparked internal backlash and prompted new directives on material donations, highlighting the extent to which financial patronage shapes party dynamics.

Provincial committees that received his support played a crucial role in endorsing his co-option, turning financial backing into political advancement. Allies who benefited from his generosity became natural supporters, ensuring his influence was embedded even before he held any formal office. This pattern illustrates how wealth has replaced ideology as the primary currency of political power.

A Pattern of Influence and Wealth

Wicknell Chivayo and Paul Tungwarara are other examples of this trend. Chivayo’s rise is not based on governance or administrative competence but on his access to the president’s inner circle and his ability to use wealth to buy protection and influence. Despite allegations surrounding the US$100 million ZEC procurement scandal, the public remains aware of the realities of Zimbabwean politics, where money often buys silence and exoneration.

Tungwarara’s story follows a similar trajectory. His close ties to the president and involvement in controversial procurement deals reflect the same pattern: money opens doors, creates power, and overrides institutional processes. His brief attempt to be co-opted into the Central Committee highlights how party rules are often secondary to financial influence and personal connections.

These figures do not engage with the party at the grassroots level. Instead, they buy entry, influence, and access, often enjoying more direct contact with the president than lifelong cadres who dedicated their lives to the party. This shift signals a fundamental change in the nature of ZANU-PF, where the old guard of revolutionaries has been replaced by a new class of economic actors.

The Consequences for Zimbabwe

The implications of this transformation are profound. ZANU-PF no longer serves as a representative of the people but as an asset controlled by those with the deepest pockets. Policies are crafted to protect business networks rather than serve the public interest. Laws are tailored to shield powerful financiers, and national resources are managed for the benefit of a politically connected few.

This shift has left ordinary citizens, rural voters, and long-serving party members sidelined. The focus of the party has moved away from national development and towards profit-driven interests. As a result, Zimbabwe remains trapped in a cycle of underdevelopment, where the wealthy rule, the connected prosper, and the people suffer.

A Party for Sale

ZANU-PF is no longer a political organization but a marketplace. It operates like a private corporation, where tenders, contracts, and access to national resources are awarded based on personal loyalty and financial usefulness. The core leadership is shaped by who can fund campaigns, buy cars, or sponsor rallies, rather than by ideological training or political experience.

If a person suddenly acquired massive wealth, nothing would stop them from buying influence, earning praise, and gaining access to ZANU-PF’s elite circles. Leadership is no longer earned; it is purchased. Credentials no longer matter; connections do. Ideology no longer directs politics; money does.

For Zimbabwe, this transformation is a sobering reality. A party that once claimed to represent the masses is now completely detached from them. If the country is to reclaim any sense of dignity, democracy, or development, it must confront this uncomfortable truth: the ruling party is no longer a political organization but a marketplace. And as long as national policy is determined by financiers instead of citizens, Zimbabwe will remain trapped in a cycle of extractive politics.