Harare – Zimbabwean businessman Simon Rudland says he has become the target of a coordinated social media smear campaign and alleged attempts to extort money from him.
Rudland, a co-owner of Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation, claims that individuals believed to be sympathetic to ZANU PF have been circulating false information online to damage his reputation. Some of the material being shared on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), allegedly uses AI-generated content to link him to claims of plotting to destabilise the government.
Anonymous posts online have accused the businessman of funding political activities aimed at undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration. However, Rudland has rejected the claims, describing them as baseless.
“I usually avoid responding to social media claims, but it is troubling and unacceptable to see my name being dragged into conspiracy theories that are clearly designed to harm my reputation,” Rudland said in a statement.
People familiar with the situation claim the online campaign began after certain individuals allegedly approached Rudland requesting financial support for political-related projects. When he reportedly refused to provide the funds, they are said to have launched a campaign on social media intended to discredit him and affect his business interests.
Rudland is involved in several sectors, including tobacco, mining, construction and logistics. His companies reportedly employ more than 30,000 people and represent investments valued at over US$1 billion.
The controversy has surfaced at a time when political debate in Zimbabwe has intensified over the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 of 2026. The proposed changes would allow President Mnangagwa to extend his tenure beyond the current constitutional limit set for 2028.
Online posts circulating as part of the smear campaign have also falsely claimed that Rudland is funding the Constitution Defenders Forum, a group led by former Finance Minister Tendai Biti that is opposing the proposed amendment. The claims further suggest alleged links between Rudland, Biti and former Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere.
Meanwhile, tensions around the constitutional debate continue to grow. ZANU-PF activist Talent Rusere has filed a court application seeking to stop several political figures, including Tendai Biti and Fadzai Mahere, from publicly opposing the proposed amendment.
In a separate development, lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, who is representing war veterans challenging the bill, was recently attacked by unknown assailants. Madhuku and Biti have since approached the courts, accusing police of interfering with meetings related to the constitutional case.
Despite the controversy, Rudland maintains that he supports Zimbabwe’s economic development and continues to expand his business operations within the country.
