By Fanuel Chinowaita
Marange, 12 January 2026— Presidential Special Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara yesterday reiterated his firm loyalty to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, saying he wishes the President could continue leading the country until 2050, while dismissing any suggestion that he harbours presidential ambitions.
Dr Tungwarara made the remarks while addressing a Presidential programme at Marange High School, where he announced key development commitments, including the construction of Marange Clinic and teachers’ houses at Marange High School.
“I do not aspire to be President. Even if that position were offered to me, I would refuse it,” Dr Tungwarara said, adding that President Mnangagwa’s leadership was divinely ordained and should not be challenged on the basis of personal wealth or political positioning.
The event also marked the rollout of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund, under which US$25,000 was allocated to each of the Mutare North, Mutare South and Mutare West constituencies to support grassroots development initiatives.
As part of empowerment efforts, Dr Tungwarara donated 1,000 bicycles to Zimunya and Marange cell leaders, citing the need to improve mobility and effectiveness of grassroots structures.
Traditional leaders such as Chief Marange, Chief Zimunya and Chief Mutasawho attended the programme each received US$2,000 from Dr Tungwarara, while ZANU PF Presidential Spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa added US$1,000 per chief.
Reflecting on the 2017 political transition that ushered President Mnangagwa into office, Dr Tungwarara attributed the events to divine intervention, insisting that leadership change should only occur at God’s appointed time.
Meanwhile, Cde Mutsvangwa publicly endorsed a ZANU PF resolution recommending Dr Tungwarara for co-option into the party’s Central Committee, following his nomination by the Chipinge District Coordinating Committee to fill the vacancy left by Cde Dorothy Mabika, who stepped down from the main wing and later became Manicaland Provincial Women’s League chairlady.
Cde Mutsvangwa said the recommendation from Manicaland was now before the party’s top decision-making body.
“The issue has been placed on the agenda of the Politburo, and it will be resolved following party procedures,” he said, urging party members in Manicaland to remain calm.
He described Dr Tungwarara as a disciplined businessman and party cadre who consistently advances President Mnangagwa’s agenda, adding that as party spokesperson, he supports individuals who promote and defend the President’s leadership.