Harare — In a union that has stirred both fascination and conversation across Zimbabwe, 60-year-old President Mnangagwa’s ally Douglas Mahiya has married his 27-year-old partner, Fiona Maka, in a private ceremony that combined personal joy with displays of luxury. The couple, who are already parents to twins, celebrated their wedding in the company of family, close friends, and selected political allies.
Adding to the buzz, the event reportedly featured high-end cars and significant financial gifts generously provided by Kuda Tagwireyi, a prominent businessman and ally, highlighting the couple’s elevated social and economic circle. Sources say Mahiya received luxury vehicles and monetary support as tokens of goodwill, amplifying public attention and sparking discussions about wealth, influence, and social connections in political circles.
Observers note the 33-year age difference between the bride and groom, which has become a talking point online. However, insiders stress that the relationship is founded on mutual respect and support, with Maka playing a stabilizing role in Mahiya’s highly public political life. Friends close to the couple describe her influence as key to his personal and family stability, particularly following the arrival of their twins.
The wedding marked a rare moment of respite for Mahiya, a veteran of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and current Secretary for War Veterans Affairs, whose daily life is usually dominated by political engagements, public duties, and party advocacy. Attendees say the event blended celebration with elegance, showcasing a lifestyle of comfort, connections, and carefully curated private enjoyment.
The lavish gifts from Tagwireyi were seen by some social commentators as a reflection of the intertwining of wealth, political influence, and personal networks in Zimbabwe, offering a glimpse into how power and patronage intersect with personal milestones.
As the couple embarks on this next chapter, the combination of personal happiness, family life, and high-profile generosity has captured public imagination, illustrating how Zimbabwe’s political and social elites navigate both private joy and public attention.