Tagwirei Unveils His New Title at Zanu PF Dinner : Minister of ED

Story By Staff Reporter

Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a businessman and presidentially appointed senator, now serves in Cabinet as Minister of Economic Development and Investment Promotion. He revealed the news of his new title at Zanu PF’s inaugural President’s Ball Fundraising Dinner. The event raised more than US$9 million for the ruling party.

Tagwirei Reveals His New Title

Tagwirei delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the Zanu PF Finance and Investment Standing Committee. He thanked President Emmerson Mnangagwa for gracing the dinner and for his keynote address.

Then he made an announcement. He told the President that Zimbabwe now has only one ministry called ED. He thanked Mnangagwa for allowing him to be its first minister. “From Monday, I will be called Minister of ED,” he said.

A Fundraiser for the National People’s Conference

Tagwirei explained that the dinner aimed to raise funds for the forthcoming 23rd Zanu PF National People’s Conference. In addition, the money will support the party’s programmes beyond the conference.

He thanked captains of industry, business leaders and corporate partners for giving generously. According to him, their contributions strengthen the party, national stability and Zimbabwe’s development. He also thanked First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for attending and praised her humanitarian work.

Business Leaders Make Bold Claims

Tagwirei also spoke about the business community. He claimed that Zimbabwe has more billionaires and millionaires than most African countries. Moreover, he said this has happened over the last seven years.

He pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects as proof of local capacity. All companies working on the roads, he said, are Zimbabwean. Zimbabweans are also building the dams. He added that the President’s vision says a nation must be built by its own people.

Promise of a New Conference Centre

Tagwirei thanked the organising committee, led by Treasurer General Patrick Chinamasa. He also thanked the management of the Hippodrome and its owner, Ambassador Angel, for hosting the event. He described the venue as marvelous and said the party would use it again.

However, he made a bigger promise. Business people will build their own conference facility, he said. It will be better than the Hippodrome, and they will finish it before 2030. He told Mnangagwa they would deliver it before he leaves office.

How the Money Was Raised

Businessman Phillip Chiyangwa then presented the figures. Ticket sales reached US$6.145 million by lunchtime. The table where the President sat raised US$2.5 million. Meanwhile, the First Lady’s table raised US$150,000.

Together, these amounts came to US$8.795 million. After that, an auction added US$650,000. As a result, the total rose to US$9.445 million.

Chiyangwa also reported a late pledge. A guest named Pande offered US$50,000 for a photo with the President. If he pays, the total reaches US$9.495 million. Chiyangwa expects the final figure to pass US$10 million, because donors were still sending money during the evening.

A Toast to the President

Tagwirei closed the evening with a toast. He asked guests to raise their glasses to Mnangagwa’s good health, wisdom and leadership. He also toasted peace, prosperity and development in Zimbabwe.

Finally, he wished that all pledges made that night would be honoured in full.