ZANU-PF Manicaland Defies Commissar Over Tungwarara Central Committee Co-option

ZANU PF’s Manicaland Province has reaffirmed Chipinge District’s recommendation to co-opt Tempter Paul Tungwarara into the party’s Central Committee, in what is being seen as a direct challenge to a directive from the party’s political commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha.

Tungwarara was chosen to fill the vacancy left by Dorothy Mabika, the Chipinge representative who was elected chairperson of the Manicaland Provincial Women’s League.

However, Machacha overturned the decision, arguing that Tungwarara does not come from the required administrative district, that is, Chipinge.

Despite this, the provincial leadership met again at Mutare Girls High School and confirmed Chipinge District’s recommendation, showing the deepening of factional tensions within Manicaland ZANU-PF.

Power struggles and accusations of manipulation have become increasingly common in the region.

The Central Committee, the party’s highest decision-making body outside congress, is a coveted position, often seen by long-serving members as a reward for loyalty and seniority.

Former Chipinge South legislator Enock Porusingazi has voiced strong support for Tungwarara’s co-option. He said:

“Even if we have 15 meetings, we are not going to change our position. Tungwarara is our candidate. I grew up with him here in Chipinge, herding cattle together, so he is our son and we will continue to support him.”

A senior party source told NewsDay that Tungwarara’s return to prominence was reinforced by a letter from a village headman, who described him as “a true son of the Chipinge soil” and the endorsed candidate to represent Chipinge on the central committee.

During the meeting, it emerged that Tungwarara grew up in Chipinge before moving to Buhera in search of better opportunities.

In a letter dated 11 December 2025, Machacha nullified Tungwarara’s co-option, claiming the province had ignored clear instructions from the party’s legal affairs department.

Machacha argued that the process to co-opt Tungwarara was flawed, as replacements should come from the same administrative district as the outgoing member — in this case, Chipinge.

The letter added that the province had violated mandatory guidelines governing co-options, which are intended to ensure “equitable distribution of seats across all administrative districts” and prevent manipulation of the selection process. Wrote Machacha:

“In view of the above, Manicaland province is advised to conduct another co-option process following the correct guidelines and procedures.”

The move got the support of other ZANU PF bigwigs, including the party’s treasurer-general, Patrick Chinamasa. Writing on X, Chinamasa said:

“I support the decision of Cde Machacha 100%, indeed wholeheartedly, for the reasons given and more.”

ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said that the issue of Tungwarara’s co-option into the party’s Central Committee will be handled by the Politburo, just as it dealt with Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s co-option by the Harare Province.

In a statement following remarks by Machacha, Mutsvangwa said the Politburo respects Manicaland Province’s decision and will meet to consider the matter before making a final determination.

More: NewsDay