MARTIN MAWAYA
Harare — Zanu-PF youth leader Tino Machakaire has called his deputy, John Paradza, to order, demanding that he withdraw a widely circulated letter warning that “appropriate measures shall be set in motion” if he fails to comply.
Machakaire’s remarks were in response to Paradza’s published correspondence contesting the reshuffling of the youth league’s national executive.
The reshuffle saw several new appointments, including Tsungai Makumbe as Secretary for Finance, Phineas Makombe for Commissariat, Phillipa Makoko for External Relations, Munashe Mtutsa for Information, Valeria Makonza for Legal Affairs, and Garikai Zonde to lead the Science and Technology portfolio.
Paradza argued that the reshuffle was conducted without following the proper procedures outlined in Section 339 of the Party Constitution.
He contended that the affected members were elected to the National Executive, with their mandates derived from their provinces and ratified by the National Youth League Conference of 2022.
In defiance of his boss’s decision, Paradza advised the affected members to remain in their positions and continue their responsibilities until a clear instruction is issued by Zanu-PF Secretary-General Obert Mpofu.
However, Machakaire criticized Paradza, asserting that he has no locus standi to challenge his decision, as everything was done in accordance with the Zanu-PF constitution.
The ruling party leader emphasized that the Zanu-PF constitution (2022) clearly outlines the functions and responsibilities of the Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Deputy Secretary in Articles 10 and 26.
He stated that there is “absolutely no basis” for Paradza to “censure the due discharge” of the Secretary’s duties.
Machakaire referenced detailed provisions in Articles 26(336) and 26(338) of the Constitution, asserting that there has been “no deviation whatsoever from the clear provisions of the Constitution” and that no members have been affected by the removal from the council.
The Youth Secretary highlighted that the recent adjustments in the departmental leadership of the Youth League National Executive Council were made to enhance the fulfillment of the league’s constitutional obligations and the execution of National People’s Conference resolutions.
According to political observers, the tension within the Zanu-PF youth league is reflective of larger factions within the party.
One faction is reportedly pushing for an extension of President Emerson Mnangagwa’s term, while the other is against it and would prefer to see his deputy, Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga taking over.
