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Bulawayo – Controversial businessman and ZANU-PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei has ignited fierce backlash after describing 99% of Zimbabweans as “foolish” for failing to secure government tenders.
Speaking at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo, the Sakunda Holdings founder dismissed criticism of his lucrative state contracts, arguing that accessing government deals was essential for business survival.
“If you’re not a tenderpreneur, you’re foolish,” Tagwirei declared.
“The biggest buyer or seller in this country is government, so if you don’t want to get your tender from the biggest buyer, where are you going to get your business from?”
He claimed the term “tenderpreneur” —used to describe politically connected individuals who exploit state contracts—was “coined by white people to discourage blacks from gaining access to business from government.”
Backlash from Economists, Business Leaders
Economist Tinashe Murapata slammed Tagwirei’s remarks, highlighting how his Command Agriculture deals—funded by Treasury Bills—contributed to Zimbabwe’s economic crisis.
“Command Agriculture never went to tender,” Murapata said.
“The treasury bills he was given were never meant to be traded. It was pension funds and depositors’ money that funded Command Agriculture—savings from the same people he now calls foolish.”
Businessman Kuda Musasiwa added:
“Tenders are not the problem. An equitable system that allows all businesses to access tenders would be the answer. Currently, tenders go to shelf companies with hotel rooms as addresses.”
Sanctions and Political Influence
Tagwirei, recently elevated to ZANU-PF’s Central Committee, has faced U.S. and UK sanctions over allegations of corruption. The U.S. Treasury accused him of leveraging political ties to secure state contracts and hard currency while gifting luxury cars to senior officials.
His Sakunda Holdings has secured multi-billion-dollar deals in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure—often without competitive bidding.
Public Fury Over “Elitist” Remarks
Social media erupted with outrage, with many Zimbabweans condemning Tagwirei’s comments as “tone-deaf” and “insulting” in an economy where unemployment exceeds 80%.
“Calling struggling citizens ‘foolish’ for not having political connections is the height of arrogance,” tweeted one user.
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