MACHAKAIRE UNDER FIRE: LEADERSHIP IN CRISIS

Tinoda Machakaire, leader of the Zanu PF Youth League, is in trouble. His recent decision to change the youth league executive has caused anger and division within the party. Many party members, including senior leaders, are against his actions. His leadership is now being questioned by those he is supposed to lead.
John Paradza, the deputy secretary of the youth league, is leading the fight against Machakaire. He has tried to stop the changes made by his boss, calling them unfair and wrong. Zanu PF’s Secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu, has also criticized Machakaire, saying the changes are unconstitutional and should never have happened.
On December 9, Machakaire announced a big reshuffle of the youth league executive. He made the changes without asking for advice or approval from other party leaders. He moved Tsungai Makumbe from the commissariat to secretary for finance, replacing Garikai Zonde. Zonde was given a new role as secretary for science and technology. Other changes included Phillipa Mukoko becoming secretary for external affairs, and Munashe Mtutsa taking over as secretary for information and publicity.
Machakaire said these changes were needed to meet the youth league’s goals and to support President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030. He claimed the reshuffle would help the league work better and follow the party’s rules. However, many people disagreed with him.
Paradza, the deputy secretary, openly opposed Machakaire’s decision. He advised the affected members to stay in their old positions until Mpofu could provide clear guidance. Paradza called the reshuffle unconstitutional and said it was not in line with party rules.
The backlash against Machakaire grew quickly. Mpofu released a statement calling the reshuffle unlawful and harmful to the party. He said such actions could create divisions and weaken trust in the leadership. Mpofu also reminded Paradza that deputies cannot overrule their superiors in the party. However, he noted that Machakaire should have consulted higher authorities before making the changes. Mpofu said the issue would be discussed by senior party leaders.
In a letter to Paradza, Machakaire demanded that he withdraw his objections and warned of consequences if he refused. But opposition to Machakaire’s actions continued to grow, and he faced criticism from various parts of the party.
Machakaire’s problems go beyond this reshuffle. Reports suggest he is not popular among youth league members, especially in the Masvingo and Midlands provinces, which are Paradza’s strongholds. His inability to attract large crowds at party events has raised doubts about his leadership skills. Some youth league members have even avoided attending his meetings, adding to the tension within the party.
There is now talk of a plan to remove Machakaire from his position. His troubles are seen as a result of his own actions, which have backfired on him. The situation highlights the phrase “hoist by his own petard,” which means being hurt by one’s own mistakes or plans.
Machakaire’s leadership is now at a crossroads. Whether he can recover from this crisis or will be replaced remains to be seen. For now, the Zanu PF Youth League is deeply divided, and Machakaire’s future as its leader is uncertain.