In a bold and controversial move, ZANU-PF Provincial Central Committee aspirant and Presidential Advisor, Paul Tempter Tungwarara, has thrust his daughter into the thick of the party’s political landscape. Young Tinotenda Tungwarara, a 17-year-old who has recently taken to the public stage flaunting her wealth and engaging in philanthropic endeavours, is now at the centre of a heated debate.

Her participation in philanthropic and political events has sparked significant backlash from Zimbabweans who rightly question her eligibility to lead a company, given the Companies Act’s stipulation that minors cannot serve as company directors. However, some supporters hastily argue that she holds the title of CEO rather than a director, while others insist that she remains behind the scenes, not involved in daily operations.

Tinotenda, alleged owner of the Tap and Go taxi company, recently delivered a speech at the launch of her Bulawayo fleet, a move viewed by many as an attempt to monopolize the taxi sector in the city—an agenda many suspect is politically charged. On December 18, she made headlines by donating a staggering US$150,000 to the newly formed ZANU PF affiliate, Ama2K4ED, further cementing her controversial role in this politically intertwined venture.

The recent donation has undeniably sparked significant backlash on social media, with many vigorously condemning her father for involving her in politics at such a young age. Critics argue that this exposure poses serious risks to the well-being of the young girl. International conventions, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, clearly emphasise the importance of protecting minors from political exploitation.

Introducing a 17-year-old like Tinotenda Tungwarara into ZANU-PF politics exposes her to alarming dangers, including political violence, manipulation, reputational harm, and psychological stress. Furthermore, it raises critical ethical and legal questions regarding the participation of minors in partisan politics. ZANU-PF is notorious for its internal factionalism and public animosity, and the controversies surrounding Paul Tungwarara’s co-option into the Central Committee have only heightened confusion and discord within the party. A minor caught up in such conflicts is at risk of being targeted, harassed, or stigmatized by opposing factions.

At just 17, Tinotenda is still in a crucial stage of emotional and intellectual development. Thrusting her into high-stakes political conflicts can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and even trauma, particularly if she faces public scrutiny or online harassment. Young individuals in political movements are often exploited as symbols of loyalty or propaganda rather than being genuinely empowered participants. In this case, Tinotenda risks being used to legitimize her father’s disputed position within ZANU-PF instead of being afforded the opportunity to develop her own independent perspective.

In a nutshell, Tinotenda Tungwarara’s involvement in ZANU‑PF politics at 17 is fraught with dangers—psychological, reputational, and ethical. Protecting her from premature political exposure would safeguard her well‑being and future independence. Paul Tungwarara’s own rise in ZANU‑PF has been controversial and constitutionally disputed, with analysts warning it undermines legitimacy. Involving his daughter risks dragging her into these disputes, making her collateral in political battles she cannot control.