By Takudzwa Changadeya
Harare – Factional brawls within Zanu PF continue to escalate with the party’s Secretary Obert Mpofu also accusing Secretary for Youth Affairs, Tino Machakaire, of acting unconstitutionally and undermining democratic principles in the party.
In a letter dated December 11, Mpofu outlined that the reshuffle instigated by Machakaire was implemented “without consulting the National Assembly of the Youth League or the Youth Executive Council.”
Hence lacked ratification from the Politburo or Central Committee.
He warned that unilateral decisions like this risk dividing the Youth League and eroding trust in leadership.
“Without explicit authority to remove or restructure elected positions, the directive risks being ultra vires (beyond the powers granted). The restructuring, if perceived as unilateral and undemocratic, may create division within the Youth League and erode confidence in leadership decisions.
“As such, the Youth League Secretary should have had recourse to the appropriate procedures, instead of a unilateral reshuffle as such actions, undermine democratic principles and collective leadership,” Mpofu wrote.
The reshuffle, announced by Machakaire on December 9, involved key appointments such as Tsungai Makumbe as Secretary for Finance and Garikai Zonde for Science and Technology.
Machakaire justified the move as necessary to implement resolutions from October’s National People’s Conference.
However, in a letter dated December 10, John Paradza, the Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs, challenged the changes argued that the reshuffle violated party rules because it bypassed consultation with provinces and the National Youth League Conference.
He then instructed affected officials to remain in their positions until the Secretary-General intervened.
Machakaire defended his actions, claiming that his authority to make such changes was endorsed by President Mnangagwa. He dismissed Paradza’s objections as baseless and warned of disciplinary action if they were not withdrawn.
“This restructuring strengthens the Youth League to fulfill its constitutional obligations,” Machakaire said, adding that his decisions align with party statutes.
The dispute has exposed deepening factionalism within Zanu PF, as divisions over leadership succession and constitutional changes grow more apparent.
Party members in Mashonaland West recently held a meeting in Chinhoyi, reaffirming support for Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi stated the party’s unity, stating, “Zanu PF has one center of power, and all members must remain loyal to the sitting president.”
