Tagwirei “bootlickers” Under Fire

A sudden surge in faceless characters purportedly representing business tycoon , Kudakwashe Tagwirei, has angered authorities after it emerged the Sakunda Holdings boss had dissociated himself from those claiming to be speaking on his behalf, particularly on social media platforms.

Presidential Spokesperson and Deputy Cabinet Chief Secretary, George Charamba expressed angst, describing as “disgusting” and “reckless” communication by some ruling party online activists, accusing them of idolising individuals instead of upholding the authority of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Charamba, singled out an X account, @ElderTagwirei (Land Tenure Updates Official), for framing appointed officials as superior to the President.

He warned that such messaging risks sowing division within Government.

“It is this kind of communication I just find disgusting,” said Charamba.

Business Kudakwashe Tagwirei, whose recent entry into mainstream politics has received wide coverage, is the Land Tenure Committee Chairperson, with a brief to facilitate title deeds for beneficiaries of the land reform program.

“The land tenure programme is a programme of government of Zimbabwe, which is led by President ED Mnangagwa. He appoints persons to implement it (and) those persons neither own nor lead it,” thundered Charamba.

“Why try and draw a wedge between the President and Cde Tagwirei through such reckless communication done under a coat of arms of the Zimbabwe government? Kana musingazvigoni bvunzai mhani (If you don’t understand, just ask).”

He confirmed that he had spoken to Tagwirei, whom he says denied any association with the said account.

“He categorically denies any link with accounts pretending association with him… These accounts were created and are being run by crooks and/or anti-ZANU-PF political activists,” Charamba stated.

This follows Charamba’s recent criticism of ruling party online activists, known as Varakashi, accusing them of “messaging indiscipline” and misplaced loyalties. He said their original mandate was to defend the party, its policies, and the president—not individuals.

“As the movement gained traction, affiliates sprang up spontaneously… leading to loose management and fissiparous messaging,” he said, warning that such deviations harm the party’s cohesion.

Charamba’s remarks highlight growing tensions over communication strategies within ZANU-PF, with the Presidential Spokesman insisting on strict adherence to official messaging protocols.