Tinotenda Hove- Presidential advisor Dr. Paul Tungwarara descended on Masvingo on Tuesday to unveil a financial empowerment programme—just weeks before the Ward 7 by-election scheduled for September 13.

The timing has triggered criticism, with some observers labeling the move political bait disguised as economic development.

Tungwarara, who serves as the Presidential Special Advisor on Investment, oversaw the distribution of US$150,000 under the Presidential Empowerment Revolving Fund during a ceremony at the Masvingo Showgrounds.

“We’re here with a US$150,000 package set aside for war veterans in Masvingo. This is a concrete demonstration of the President’s commitment to delivering results, not just making promises,” Tungwarara told attendees.

The financial windfall was framed as part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ongoing efforts to uplift communities through grassroots-focused initiatives. Yet, the proximity of the fund’s rollout to a key by-election has drawn public scrutiny.

“This disbursement, directed by President Mnangagwa, is part of a larger strategy to energise and empower communities at the grassroots level,” a senior government official said at the event. “Dr. Tungwarara was here to execute that mandate.”

Despite the official framing, political analysts argue the initiative reeks of electoral opportunism.

With voting day only weeks away, critics are questioning whether the fund is intended to genuinely empower citizens—or influence the outcome of the upcoming poll