Dr. Tagwirei Responds to Open Letter

Dr. Kudakwashe Tagwirei, one of Zimbabwe’s most influential business figures, has offered a private response to a widely circulated open letter that publicly challenged him on issues of leadership, dignity, and the role of powerful families in mitigating Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

A call to action by a young woman

The letter, authored by a young Zimbabwean woman and published on iHarare, used the context of the 16 Days of Activism to argue that unchecked displays of power and wealth contribute to societal disrespect and what she termed “emotional and economic” violence. The writer favorably contrasted this with the “unusual level of discretion” exhibited by Dr. Tagwirei’s family. She specifically commended their low public profile, noting that his children avoid using Zimbabwe as a “mere photo backdrop for social media flexing” and highlighted the “quiet dignity” and focus on philanthropy shown by Mai Tagwirei.

READ MORE: Open Letter to Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei from Young Women during 16 Days of Activism Against GBV

Her core request was a direct appeal for him to leverage his influence among his peers—business and political leaders—to combat men whose default setting, she claimed, is to use money or power to control wives and exploit young women. The goal was to initiate a “fundamental shift in behaviour” and cultivate a “quiet culture of responsibility” to create a safer Zimbabwe.

Dr. Tagwirei Responds to Open Letter

In an exclusive reply to iHarare, Dr. Tagwirei confirmed receiving and carefully reading the letter, acknowledging the writer’s “concern and conviction behind it.” However, he firmly declined the invitation to engage publicly on the matter, signaling a preference for discretion.

“Dear Young Zimbabwean Woman, thank you for taking the time to write and for sharing your thoughts during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. I have read your letter carefully and I recognise the concern and conviction behind it.
I understand that these are sensitive issues, and for that reason I have chosen not to respond publicly. Public exchanges at this moment risk adding more heat than clarity, and I do not believe that helps anyone,” he wrote.

He justified his decision, stating his belief that: “Public exchanges at this moment risk adding more heat than clarity, and I do not believe that helps anyone.” He confirmed that he has “chosen not to respond publicly.”

Dr. Tagwirei ended his brief response with a clear message to the author: “Please know that your views have been noted and considered. Conversations like these matter, even when they happen quietly.”

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