President Emmerson Mnangagwa continues to court controversy after openly embracing key figures associated with alleged corruption, even as political tensions mount across Zimbabwe.
On Friday evening at State House, Mnangagwa officiated a fundraising auction where a signed football—used earlier in the day during the Putt-Out Golf Challenge at Royal Harare Golf Club—was bought for a staggering US$40,000 by Scottland FC.
The football had been signed by the President himself during the event.
Scottland FC is owned by businessman and Zanu PF affiliate Scott Sakupwanya, a figure often linked to controversial gold dealings and corruption allegations. Sakupwanya was joined at the golf event by Kuda Tagwirei, another powerful and polarizing business figure who is under international sanctions for alleged looting of public resources.
Mnangagwa’s close association with both men was on full display.
“Kuda is a son of the soil. Scott is a young man with energy and loyalty,” a Mnangagwa loyalist said.
“We must support our own who are doing great things for the country.”
Critics, however, view the event as symbolic of how the President continues to reward those accused of siphoning national wealth, despite growing public anger over economic hardship and elite corruption.
Both Tagwirei and Sakupwanya have been repeatedly accused of exploiting Zimbabwe’s natural resources and state institutions for personal gain.
Their involvement in state-sanctioned deals—especially in the gold and fuel sectors—has attracted sharp scrutiny.
Observers say Mnangagwa’s decision to highlight and publicly praise such individuals under the guise of charity and sport signals his disregard for mounting pressure on government to tackle elite corruption.
Source: Zimeye
