ZANU PF YOUTH LEADER IN HOT WATER AFTER CONTROVERSIAL MOVES

Tinoda Machakaire, the leader of the Zanu PF Youth League, is facing big problems after making changes to the youth league executive. His decisions have upset many people, both in the youth league and in the main party. Some say his actions are unfair and against the party rules.

John Paradza, the deputy secretary of the Youth League, is one of the people speaking out against Machakaire. Paradza has tried to stop the changes. Even Obert Mpofu, the Zanu PF Secretary for Administration, said the changes are not allowed by the party’s rules and should not have happened.

On December 9, Machakaire made a surprising announcement. He reshuffled the Youth League’s national executive council without asking for advice or permission. He said he made the changes to help achieve the league’s goals and to follow the party’s Vision 2030. He claimed the reshuffle would help the Youth League do its work better.

Machakaire’s changes included moving Tsungai Makumbe from commissariat to secretary for finance, replacing Garikai Zonde, who is now secretary for science and technology. Phineas Makombe became the new secretary for commissariat, and Phillipa Mukoko took over external affairs. Other changes included Munashe Mtutsa becoming secretary for information and publicity.

Paradza quickly opposed these changes. He said they were not allowed under the party’s rules and told those affected by the reshuffle to stay in their positions until Mpofu could decide what to do. Mpofu agreed with Paradza, saying the reshuffle was against the rules. He added that Machakaire’s actions could divide the Youth League and create problems in the party.

Machakaire wrote to Paradza, demanding he take back his instructions to the youth members. He warned that there would be consequences if Paradza did not listen. But the criticism against Machakaire kept growing.

Mpofu wrote a letter explaining why Machakaire’s reshuffle was wrong. He said that only the President or First Secretary of the party has the power to approve such changes. Mpofu also said Paradza’s actions to reverse the reshuffle were also not allowed. He warned that the whole issue would be sent to senior party leaders for a final decision.

Machakaire’s problems seem to come from his lack of support among the youth members. In places like Masvingo and Midlands, Paradza’s strongholds, Machakaire has struggled to gain popularity. He has also failed to bring large crowds to party events, which has raised concerns about his leadership abilities.

There are even reports that some youth members are skipping his meetings. This has led to rumors of a plan to remove Machakaire from his position. People are questioning whether he can continue as the leader of the Youth League.

Machakaire’s troubles show what can happen when decisions are made without consulting others. His current situation is being described as “hoist by his own petard,” which means he has been hurt by his own actions. The phrase comes from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet and perfectly fits what is happening to Machakaire now.

For now, Machakaire’s future as the leader of the Youth League looks uncertain. Many in the party are waiting to see how the senior leaders will handle this issue. Whatever happens next, it is clear that his leadership is under serious threat.