Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
Mutare Bureau
THE Zanu PF Manicaland Provincial Coordinating Committee yesterday threw its weight behind Presidential Advisor on Investment, Dr Paul Tungwarara, for co-option into the ruling party’s Central Committee.
The latest endorsement follows a resolution by the Chipinge District Coordinating Committee (DCC), which nominated Dr Tungwarara as the ideal candidate for the vacant post left by Cde Dorothy Mabika.
Cde Mabika, who hails from Chipinge, stepped down from the main wing post earlier this year and was subsequently elected provincial Women’s League chairlady.
The latest recommendation supersedes one made last week following concerns by the National Commissariat Department over procedural issues that could have been overlooked. A circular from the commissariat department, signed by National Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, referencing a Legal Affairs Department circular issued on June 30, 2025, directed that any replacement must originate from the same administrative district as the outgoing member, making Chipinge the logical source of the successor.
Zanu PF Manicaland chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, said in response to the directive, Chipinge DCC hastily convened a meeting, which made a resolution endorsing Dr Tungwarara’s candidature, a resolution that was adopted by the PCC, demonstrating Manicaland’s unwavering commitment to elevating deserving cadres.
“We made a recommendation last week on the Central Committee co-option, and afterwards we received a letter from National Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, on the nullification of the co-option of Dr Tungwarara,” he said.
“The circular said the replacement should come from Chipinge District, and Manicaland should conduct another PCC meeting.
“We wrote to Chipinge district after receiving the directive, and the district responded and has nominated Dr Tungwarara. We then convened this meeting to verify the authenticity of the recommendation from the people of Chipinge, and hear if there are any objections.”
Central Committee members from Chipinge, who attended the PCC meeting, reaffirmed Dr Tungwarara’s recommendation, saying it was authentic and reflective of the will of the people of Chipinge, and appealed for the party leadership to uphold their recommendation.
Cde Winnie Mlambo said: “We are in support of the co-option of Dr Tungwarara because we are convinced he hails from our district.
“He is our child, and we are not going to change our position. We are fully behind the co-option of Dr Tungwarara as Chipinge representative.”
Following the tabling of Chipinge’s recommendation, several other party members seconded the motion in support of Dr Tungwarara’s co-option into the Central Committee.
Central Committee member, Cde Esau Mupfumi, threw his weight behind the recommendation, saying Dr Tungwarara was the best foot forward given the immense contribution he will make to the province.
“We accepted the decision taken by Chipinge. Manicaland has adopted the position by Chipinge, and we are united and happy about this move,” he said.
Another Central Committee member, Cde Kerina Uta Chimuso, echoed similar sentiments.
“We support Chipinge, and we should remain united as Manicaland. We request the party leadership to uphold our decision for development to continue in our province,” she said.
Another Central Committee member, and Mutare North legislator, Cde Admire Mahachi, said the position taken by Chipinge was binding in the province.
“That position taken by Chipinge becomes our position as a province. Our only appeal is for the party leadership to accept our decision, as Dr Tungwarara was born and raised in Chipinge. He is one of us and really deserves this,” said Cde Mahachi.
Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said: “I want to thank the people of Manicaland for your unity, but above all, I want to thank President Mnangagwa for creating an environment that allows young Turks to hold influential positions within the party and government.
“We are saying congratulations to the Presidential Advisor because we know that our leadership will accept our decision as a province.”
After each speaker, the packed gallery would erupt into song, dance, supporting Dr Tungwarara’s proposed co-option into the Central Committee.
All wings of the party expressed satisfaction with Dr Tungwarara’s candidature, given the value he would add to the revolutionary party in the province.
