The Tawengwas are a notable family of Zimbabwe engaged in business, farming and politics. The original family business was Mushandira Pamwe Buses, established in 1942. In 1960, George Tawengwa became the first black person in Southern Rhodesia to purchase a commercial farm, the Rhodesdale Farm (renamed Zimdale Farm after independence, in 1980). He made news headlines in 1977 when he purchased five farms for cash in one transaction. He also became owner of the Mushandira Pamwe Hotel in Highfield, Harare(1972). At the time, it was unheard off for a black person to be so prosperous under the Smith regime. George Tawengwa's sons, Solomon and Charles also became prominent businessmen and farmers. They both served as Harare mayors. The family has had close links with the Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe since before Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. It is rumoured that the first seed money for Zanu-PF, came from their father, George Tawengwa. Charles served as Senator until 2008. His aunt Edna Madzongwe, is the current President of Senate and a member of the Politburo. The President of Zimbabwe is a cousin of Mrs Edna Madzongwe.