Recent speculation surrounding the Central Committee by-election in Manicaland Province has been vastly overstated by external voices. The vacancy arose only through the rightful elevation of Cde Dorothy Mabika to Manicaland Provincial Women’s League Chairperson.

The co-option of Temptor Tungwarara into the Central Committee prompted a serious internal question: why was this seat, previously held by a woman, not reserved for another female candidate in line with the party’s constitutional commitment to gender equity? The provincial leadership’s decision to open the contest regardless of gender created unnecessary tension and invited the speculation that followed.

The race featured Justin Matsatsira, a long-serving party member since the early 2000s with a twenty-year record of grassroots work, and the winner Temptor Tungwarara, a relatively new member in the party. Matsatsira’s long-standing, quiet dedication across cells and branches stands in contrast to Tungwarara, who, while capable, is a newer face in higher structures. Many grassroots cadres reasonably questioned why such deep, proven loyalty was overlooked.

Although Matsatsira was allegedly being supported by other members including Tagwireyi, to interpret it as a defeat for Tagwirei is to misunderstand his influence. The robust mobilization for Matsatsira across multiple provinces demonstrated the enduring strength and reach of Tagwirei’s networks. His disciplined acceptance of the result reflects a veteran cadre who prioritizes party unity and internal democracy above personal preference.

Beyond a single primary, Tagwirei’s national value is irreplaceable. His vision and resources were central to Command Agriculture, national fuel security, and the revival of critical mines and industries. While others engaged in talk, Tagwirei delivered tangible results—maize in silos and diesel in pumps—contributions that no election can undo.

Ultimately, this contest highlighted two issues for the party: safeguarding the women’s quota and honouring long-serving cadres. These are debates about principle, not evidence of Tagwirei’s decline. Kudakwashe Tagwirei remains where he has always been: a deeply rooted party member, indispensable to the nation’s economic resilience, and steadfastly focused on Vision 2030. The noise will pass; his foundational role will not.