MACHAKAIRE FACES BACKLASH AS ZANU PF YOUTH LEAGUE REVOLT GROWS

Tinoda Machakaire, the leader of Zanu PF’s Youth League, is now at the centre of a growing political storm. After making unauthorized changes to the youth league executive, Machakaire has triggered a serious backlash from within the party. What he thought would be a quiet reshuffle has turned into a full-blown revolt, threatening his leadership and position in the party.

On December 9, Machakaire shocked many by announcing a major reshuffle in the Youth League’s national executive council. He made the changes without consulting his deputy, John Paradza, or seeking approval from the party leadership. He justified his actions by saying the changes were necessary to align the youth league with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030. But instead of support, Machakaire was met with strong resistance.

The changes saw Tsungai Makumbe moved from commissariat to finance, replacing Garikai Zonde. Zonde was moved to science and technology. Phineas Makombe was given the role of secretary for commissariat. Phillipa Mukoko was moved to external affairs, replacing Veleria Makonza, who was reassigned to legal affairs. Munashe Mtutsa took over information and publicity, replacing Mukoko.

Machakaire insisted these adjustments were to help the league achieve its goals. But Paradza, the youth league deputy secretary, quickly hit back. He called the changes unconstitutional and told all affected members to remain in their original roles until further notice. Paradza also informed the party’s Secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu, about the reshuffle.

Mpofu responded publicly, criticizing Machakaire’s actions. He said the reshuffle was unlawful, arbitrary, and damaging to the unity of the party. According to Mpofu, such decisions require wider consultation and approval. He warned that Machakaire’s behaviour risked causing deep divisions in the youth league and damaging the party’s image.

In a move that shows how deep the crisis has become, Machakaire wrote to Paradza demanding that he withdraw his statement. He warned that failure to comply would lead to disciplinary action. But instead of calming the situation, this only deepened the conflict.

Mpofu later sent a formal letter warning that the reshuffle could erode trust in the youth league’s leadership. He stated that the issue would be referred to senior party leaders for review. While he reminded Paradza that a deputy cannot override a superior, he also made it clear that Machakaire should have followed the correct channels before making such major changes.

This public drama has revealed growing cracks inside the Youth League and the wider party. Machakaire is now facing open resistance, especially from provinces like Masvingo and Midlands, where Paradza is popular. There are even reports that some youth members are boycotting Machakaire’s meetings. These signs suggest serious dissatisfaction and a possible campaign to remove him.

Machakaire’s leadership has been questioned before. His poor turnout at rallies and events has raised eyebrows. Now, this reshuffle crisis has further damaged his image. Many see it as a sign that he lacks the support and authority to lead the youth league effectively.

This is a classic case of someone being “hoist by his own petard”—brought down by his own actions. By making changes without approval, Machakaire has created enemies, lost support, and triggered a power struggle that could cost him his position.

As the drama continues, one thing is clear: Machakaire’s leadership is hanging by a thread. The outcome of this battle could reshape the future of the Zanu PF Youth League—and possibly signal deeper divisions within the ruling party itself.