YOUTH LEAGUE IN TURMOIL: MACHAKAIRE FACES PARTY BACKLASH

Tinoda Machakaire, the Zanu PF Youth League leader, is in trouble after making changes to the youth league executive without approval. His decision has upset many people in the party, from ordinary members to senior leaders. Now, he faces backlash from within the youth league and the party at large.

John Paradza, the deputy secretary in the youth league, is leading the opposition to Machakaire. Paradza tried to reverse the changes made by his boss. The Zanu PF Secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu, has also spoken out against Machakaire’s actions, calling them unconstitutional and undemocratic.

On December 9, Machakaire announced the reshuffle of the national executive council. He did this without consulting anyone. He said, “In my capacity as the Secretary for Youth Affairs, I have made the following adjustments in the departmental leadership of the national Youth League Executive Council.”

In this reshuffle, Tsungai Makumbe was moved from the commissariat to secretary for finance, replacing Garikai Zonde. Zonde is now secretary for science and technology. Phineas Makombe is the new secretary for commissariat, replacing Makumbe. Phillipa Mukoko is now the secretary for external affairs, taking over from Veleria Makonza, who moved to legal affairs. Munashe Mtutsa is the new secretary for information and publicity, replacing Mukoko.

Machakaire said the changes were necessary to meet the youth league’s goals and align with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030. He claimed the adjustments would help the league fulfill its duties and carry out resolutions from their national conference.

However, Paradza opposed the changes. He said they were unconstitutional and told the affected officials to stay in their positions until Mpofu gave guidance. Mpofu later confirmed that Machakaire’s actions were wrong. He said they were arbitrary, unlawful, and could create divisions in the youth league and the party.

Machakaire wrote to Paradza, asking him to withdraw his statement. He warned that if Paradza did not comply, action would be taken against him. Meanwhile, opposition to Machakaire was growing stronger.

Mpofu sent a letter addressing the issue. He warned that Machakaire’s reshuffle could harm the youth league and make people lose trust in the leadership. He also said that the matter would be sent to senior party leaders for discussion.

In his letter, Mpofu reminded Paradza that the Zanu PF Constitution does not allow a deputy to override the decisions of their superior. He said the Secretary for Youth Affairs is directly appointed by the President and should have sought approval for the reshuffle.

Machakaire’s problems may also be linked to his lack of popularity in some provinces, especially Masvingo and Midlands, which are Paradza’s home ground. People have noticed that Machakaire struggles to attract large crowds at party events, raising questions about his leadership.

There are also reports of divisions within the youth league. Some members have reportedly refused to attend Machakaire’s meetings. This has led to rumors that there might be a plan to remove him from his position.

Machakaire’s troubles show how his own actions have led to his current problems. This is a clear example of being “hoist by his own petard,” a phrase from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It means being harmed by one’s own actions or plans.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that Machakaire’s leadership is under serious threat. His decisions have not only angered members of the youth league but have also drawn criticism from senior party leaders. Whether he can recover from this remains to be seen.