By a correspondent
Prominent Zimbabwean advocate and commentator Rutendo Matinyarare has broken his silence regarding his recent interactions with Presidential Advisor Dr. Paul Tungwarara, clarifying the nature of their discussion following a public falling out over his critique of the government.
In a detailed statement, Matinyarare revealed that Dr. Tungwarara approached him online, extending a hand of reconciliation by offering a vehicle in recognition of Matinyarare’s national advocacy work. The gesture was followed by an invitation to a roundtable discussion aimed at addressing Matinyarare’s public opposition to CAB3, his critiques of the President’s performance, and unresolved grievances regarding government non-payment for his anti-sanctions campaigns.
According to Matinyarare, subsequent offline discussions provided crucial clarity on his position on CAB3, the processes that unfolded during the public engagements and their distinct separation from the long-standing grievances regarding unpaid work he did on removing sanctions on Zimbabwe.
He explained that Dr. Tungwarara clarified that the President is not responsible for his non-payment for the sanctions work, but that responsibility lies instead with Kuda Tagwirei, who was mandated to work with him. This shifted the blame away from the Presidium.
Matinyarare firmly denied allegations that his critical stance on CAB3 was motivated by this financial dispute, asserting that his views are strictly based on his outlook that CAB3 risked fragmenting the nation and opening up room for more sanctions or even civil strife.
Drawing parallels to historic Zimbabwean political milestones, such as the 1987 Unity Accord and the 2009 Government of National Unity, Matinyarare expressed optimism about the upcoming dialogue. Dr. Tungwarara has reportedly committed to engaging the President and all relevant stakeholders to find a constructive way forward. Matinyarare reiterated that he harbors no personal animosity toward the First Family, maintaining that his critiques are part of an open discourse that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has historically tolerated as a listening President. He conceded that if his commentary was perceived as disrespectful by the President or the First Lady, he is willing to issue a public apology.
Responding to critics who accused him of working with Dr. Tungwarara to undermine the President or CAB3, Matinyarare dismissed the claims as false and unfortunate because the man is loyal to the President. He defended his record of loyal service to the nation, citing his extensive work fighting Western-imposed sanctions, participating in the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) initiatives, combating xenophobia, and defending Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders in South Africa. He also highlighted his efforts in promoting national developmental projects through documentaries on initiatives like Geo Pomona, Manhize, and David Whitehead, alongside assisting diplomatic peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. POLAD is a platform launched in May 2019 by President Mnangagwa to foster dialogue among political parties in Zimbabwe. It comprised leaders of the political parties that contested the 2018 presidential election
Matinyarare concluded by applauding Dr. Tungwarara’s mediation efforts, likening them to President Mnangagwa’s own foreign re-engagement policies. He urged the public to reject attempts by divisive elements to sabotage the reconciliation process, emphasizing that the Presidential Advisor is merely trying to foster unity between the leadership and one of the country’s strongest advocates.
