Tinotenda Hove – Tempter Paul Tungwarara moved fast on Tuesday to congratulate Philip Valerio Sibanda’s appointment to the ZANU PF Politburo, using the moment to signal Mnangagwa’s camp is tightening its grip while Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is out of the country.

The public endorsement comes as tension rises over Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3, which seeks to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office. Analysts say Sibanda’s elevation is a direct move to weaken Chiwenga’s influence inside the party ahead of that fight.

Tungwarara, Mnangagwa’s Special Investment and Empowerment Advisor, made no attempt to hide the political message.

“Dr Paul Tungwarara, Presidential Special Investment and Empowerment Advisor, heartily congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment to the ZANU PF Politburo,” he said.

He continued: “Your distinguished service, unwavering loyalty, and dedication to the liberation struggle and the continued development of our nation are an inspiration to us all.”

Tungwarara closed with: “May you continue to serve the Party and the people of Zimbabwe with wisdom, courage, and steadfast commitment.”

The timing tells the real story. With Chiwenga in Uganda for Museveni’s inauguration, Mnangagwa loyalists are using the window to lock in allies and sideline rivals.

What’s being sold as a congratulatory note reads like a warning shot: back the term extension or get sidelined.