Presidential advisor Paul Tungwarara has declared that he is not fighting anyone but is solely focused on protecting the name of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as he extended a rare goodwill gesture to former government critic Rutendo Matinyarare in the form of a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series.
In a public exchange that has drawn widespread attention, Tungwarara made it clear that his mandate is to defend the President’s reputation and that he harbours no personal grievances against any individual. His offer of the luxury vehicle came with an invitation to a roundtable discussion aimed at de-escalating months of sustained attacks on the President.
“Because you have shown the right attitude, I hope you are going to de-escalate the attacks on the President and everyone else,” Tungwarara wrote to Matinyarare. “You’ve demonstrated a right mental attitude and a real commitment to this country and President E.D. Mnangagwa. As a first condition for our upcoming roundtable meeting, I want you to come and collect your Toyota 300 series. Let me know when you are in Harare so we can arrange for you to pick up your car.”
Tungwarara emphasised that his actions are not driven by conflict. “I am not fighting anyone,” he said. “I am protecting the President’s name.”
He acknowledged that he has followed Matinyarare’s work with admiration but expressed unhappiness with the continued direct and indirect attacks on President Mnangagwa. Tungwarara also criticised the use of social media as a platform for resolving disputes, stating, “Ndozvataramba izvi” (I reject these things).
In his response, Matinyarare accepted the offer and conceded that frustration had driven him to use social media as a medium of dispute resolution. He explained that he had previously carried out sensitive assignments for presidential advisors and envoys, putting his life and business interests at risk while defending Zimbabwe internationally. He said his business was isolated by global corporations because he stood firm for the country.
“When it came time for me to get my agreed remuneration — which foreign lobbyists who failed to do what I did got — all the princes, advisors and envoys ran into ivory towers, and I was left standing alone like an abandoned slave,” Matinyarare said.
Nevertheless, he welcomed Tungwarara’s intervention. “I acknowledge and accept that let us have a round table and resolve what is clearly an issue that can be resolved amicably if hearts and minds are focused on reconciliation, nation building, and unity,” Matinyarare said.
Tungwarara reiterated his readiness for a constructive dialogue. “I am ready for a constructive roundtable discussion with you to hear your concerns. For now, please de-escalate, and let us sit down,” he said.
The presidential advisor has consistently framed his role as one of defence, not offence. His offer of a vehicle and a roundtable meeting has been widely seen as a mature effort to turn public confrontation into private conversation, reinforcing his position as a protector of the President’s name rather than an adversary to any individual.
Matinyarare has since indicated that arrangements have been made for a family member to collect the vehicle in Harare.
