By Munacho Gwamanda-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s investment advisor, Paul Tungwarara has reportedly distributed high-end smartphones to journalists, a move raising ethical concerns about media independence.
Reports from Mashonaland West indicate that Tungwarara, who has recently emerged as the de facto campaign manager for Mnangagwa’s 2030 vision, handed out over 20 smartphones, including Samsung S25 and iPhone 16 Pro models, to journalists in the province.
Social media has been flooded with messages from Zanu PF-aligned figures praising Tungwarara’s generosity.
One X (formerly Twitter) user, @TinotendaGacha1, posted:
“Thank you, Dr. Tungwarara, for your generous donation of 20 high-tech phones to journalists. Your commitment to enhancing digital communication and supporting media professionals is commendable. This initiative will undoubtedly aid in better showcasing the achievements of the Second Republic. We also appreciate the establishment of the journalist fund and the provision of monthly stipends to comrades for promoting EDWORKS. Your efforts are truly making a difference.”
Another Zanu PF supporter posted:
“Presidential Investment Advisor, Dr. P. Tungwarara, makes a generous donation of 20 high-tech phones to journalists. In a move aimed at enhancing digital communication, the donation will facilitate social media engagement and reporting. It will be used to showcase the accomplishments and initiatives of the Second Republic, led by H.E. President ED Mnangagwa.”
In addition to the phones, reports suggest that 32 journalists are now receiving a $300 USD monthly stipend for promoting “EDWORKS.” Furthermore, a special fund has been established to reward journalists actively engaged in pro-Mnangagwa social media campaigns.
Efforts to contact Tungwarara for comment were unsuccessful, and the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists has yet to respond regarding the authenticity of these claims.
However, media watchdogs and press freedom advocates have expressed concern, highlighting that it is unethical for journalists to accept gifts in exchange for favorable coverage.
Tungwarara’s rise to prominence is particularly significant given his appointment last year as Mnangagwa’s Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
His growing influence comes at a time when Mnangagwa has publicly declared that he will not seek re-election in 2028, fueling speculation about succession battles within Zanu PF.
The UAE has been at the center of controversy following the Al Jazeera Gold Mafia exposé, which implicated Mnangagwa’s associates in illicit gold smuggling.
The investigation suggested that Mnangagwa’s administration has been using the UAE as a key hub for laundering Zimbabwe’s gold, bypassing formal channels and depriving the country of much-needed revenue.
Additionally, Mnangagwa frequently uses a private jet provided by the UAE for his international travels, raising further suspicion about his deep financial ties to the Gulf state.
Observers have drawn parallels between Tungwarara’s growing role and that of controversial cleric Uebert Angel, who was exposed in the Gold Mafia documentary as a key figure in facilitating illicit financial deals on behalf of the regime.
Tungwarara’s increased prominence and involvement in high-value projects, including a multimillion-dollar borehole drilling initiative extended to war veterans aligned with Mnangagwa, indicate strategic positioning within the ruling party’s internal power struggles.
This comes as Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is reportedly consolidating power in anticipation of Mnangagwa’seventual exit.
Chiwenga, the former military general who orchestrated the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power, has long been seen as a potential successor.
However, Mnangagwa’s maneuvering—through figures like Tungwarara—suggests he is working to secure his long-term influence beyond the presidency.
With Tungwarara now overseeing major political and economic initiatives, his role in shaping the post-Mnangagwa era cannot be ignored.
His connection to the UAE, suspected involvement in gold dealings, and financial influence over the media raise critical questions about the integrity of Zimbabwe’s governance and the battle for succession within Zanu PF.