Harare, 21st September 2024 – In a shocking turn of events, Tinashe Mavhaire, son of former Energy Minister Dzikamai Mavhaire, has publicly distanced himself from his father after the elder Mavhaire defected to ZANU PF. Tinashe made the announcement in a video released by ZimEye, stating, “As for me, Tinashe Mavhaire, I am making it clear that I am only with President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.”

Dzikamai Mavhaire, who was recently paraded at State House with his other son, Tawanda, and former Gutu Central legislator Oliver Chirume, returned to the ruling party amidst claims of financial struggles. Sources close to the matter revealed that Mavhaire sought a private meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his State House visit, likely to request financial assistance.

“We were surprised when he suddenly asked for a private audience with the President. We suspect it had to do with his current financial difficulties, as he seems to be in a tough situation,” a source who accompanied Mavhaire was quoted by TellZim news.

Mavhaire’s political fortunes have been in steady decline since his 2014 dismissal from ZANU PF and his subsequent loss of shares in Bikita Minerals after its sale to Chinese company Sinomine in 2022. His truck company has collapsed, and he is reportedly struggling to make ends meet from a horticulture project at his farm near Great Zimbabwe Monuments.

In a phone conversation with TellZim News, Mavhaire dodged questions about his political allegiance, saying, “Have you ever seen my CCC membership card? I thought you’d ask something better. You should write about development, not this nonsense.”

Tinashe’s bold move to affirm his support for opposition leader Nelson Chamisa highlights a growing divide within the Mavhaire family, as the former minister’s struggles push him back into the ruling party’s fold.

More details to follow as the story develops.