Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a powerful Zimbabwean businessman with deep links to the ruling elite, has reignited political debate after being captured on video sharing a warm moment with President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the golf course.
Political analyst Brighton Mutebuka says the footage is more than a casual interaction — it is a strategic signal that Tagwirei remains deeply embedded in ZANU PF’s inner circle despite recent political setbacks.
The clip, which shows Tagwirei embracing Mnangagwa with laughter and ease, has raised eyebrows, particularly following the businessman’s failed bid to join the ZANU PF Central Committee — a rejection widely seen as a blow orchestrated by rivals within the party, including Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and party spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa.
UK-based legal expert Brighton Mutebuka believes the golf course encounter was carefully staged to convey a powerful political message.
“Through that public side embrace of ED, nonchalantly gliding into his personal space — with both giggling — the signal was clear,” said Mutebuka. “The two are somewhat joined at the hip and enjoy intimate and cordial relations away from the prying eyes.”
He went further, describing Tagwirei’s behaviour as intentionally dramatic.
“It seemed like it was an assignment borne out of the collision of desperation and cunning,” he said. “Tagwirei wanted to show his enemies that he is defiant, resilient, and still enjoys ED’s trust.
He’s not isolated, he’s not going anywhere.”
Mutebuka also highlighted Mnangagwa’s cautious demeanour during the interaction, which he suggested reflected the President’s awareness of the political implications.
“ED’s fairly guarded manner could be down to his subconscious ode to protocol — or his awareness of the political difficulties that could arise from projecting public over-cosiness to a man who has gained notoriety as the Alpha Chigananda nationally — particularly so soon after the Central Committee debacle,” Mutebuka said.
The analyst believes this public gesture is part of a broader strategy to reassert Tagwirei’s influence within ZANU PF.
Source: Zimeye
