Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
PRESIDENTIAL Special Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara was this afternoon on fire and refused to retract comments he made in Marange, saying they were a “good fight” despite angering some ambitious party members who misconstrue his statements as targeting them.
Addressing the disbursement of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund in Nyanga, Dr Tungwarara dismissed claims that his comments were personal attacks, insisting he was speaking about himself and warning against divisions in ZANU
Dr Tungwarara singled out what he called “extortionists” abusing President Mnangagwa’s name, stressing that 99 percent of such claims were lies.
“We shall fight, especially here in Manicaland, for Vision 2030 to be a reality. I was in Marange last week and I spoke what I spoke; and that did not go down well with some people with ambition. I did not mention anyone’s name, but I spoke about myself. What I said broke the internet, and names were thrown out. I did not mention anyone, but myself, and there are going to be fights for Vision 2030. I am ready to die today; we need order in the party , and I am not afraid of anyone,” said Dr Tungwarara, adding that there are people who want to cause confusion in the party.
He was speaking during the disbursement of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund to – Nyanga North and Nyanga South in Nyanga, bringing to 23 the number of constituencies that have each received US$25 000 for grassroots party-empowerment programmes.
Only the three Mutare urban constituencies are outstanding, and are expected to receive their share this weekend.
Dr Tungwarara also gave war collaborators, ex-political detainees and restrictees, non-combatant cadres US$50,000, widows of fallen heroes US$50 000, respectively, and US$20 000 for a local clinic, as well as Starlink kits for 40 schools in Nyanga South, before pledging Starlink kits for all schools in the province before the end of the year.
“We will fight to ensure that President Mnangagwa remains in power until 2030 because it is good for the people. When Geza rose up and started attacking the President, and many people went into their cocoons. I issued a press statement rebuking him, but many cadres who are now showing ambition were in their shells.
“I came out in the open and fought Geza while you were quiet. Now that Geza is finished, and we tell you not to be ambitious, you now want to dare me. The same spirit of Geza is manifesting among some of us. I make these statements in Manicaland because this is my home; we do not want divisions here,” said Dr Tungwarara.
ZANU PF provincial chairman Tawanda Mukodza praised Dr Tungwarara’s efforts, saying he had united Manicaland, while Minister of State for Manicaland, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, urged recipients to invest the funds productively.
Nyanga North MP Honourable Chido Sanyatwe hailed the initiative as a first since independence, while Nyanga South MP Supa Mandiwanzira thanked President Mnangagwa for his “sharp eye of an advisor” in Dr Tungwarara.
The ceremony underscored ZANU PF’s push for grassroots empowerment ahead of next elections.
