By Takudzwa Changadeya
Harare – A power struggle within Zimbabwe’s ruling party Zanu PF has emerged, with key figures in the Youth League clashing over an alleged unconstitutional leadership reshuffle.
Youth Affairs Minister Tino Machakaire and Deputy Tourism Minister John Paradza are at the center of the dispute, with Paradza accusing Machakaire of dividing the party by removing office bearers without following proper procedures.
The reshuffle, reportedly led by Machakaire, is seen as a move to weaken Paradza’s influence.
Inside sources suggest that Machakaire, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is trying to shift the power balance between different factions in Zanu PF, especially as internal tensions rise over whether Mnangagwa should serve a third term.
This third term would require changes to the constitution, and the reshuffle is viewed by some as part of a larger struggle over this issue.
Machakaire, defending his actions, stated in a communication on December 9 that the reshuffle was necessary to implement resolutions from the National People’s Conference, including plans to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency beyond 2028.
“In my capacity as the Secretary for Youth Affairs, I have made the following adjustments in the departmental leadership of the National Youth League Executive Council.
“These changes are intended to enhance the fulfilment of the Zanu PF YL constitutional obligations and meticulous execution of the National People’s Conference resolutions…” he wrote.
The new appointments included Tsungai Makumbe (Finance), Phineas Makombe (Commissariat), Phillipa Makoko (External Relations), and others.
Some of the affected officials, who had received party vehicles from Mnangagwa, were also ordered to return them.
However, Paradza has strongly opposed the reshuffle and in a letter dated December 10, 2024, he said the changes were not valid because they did not follow the proper party procedures.
“It is imperative for me to remind you that these comrades were elected into the National Executive and their mandate is from the provinces and was ratified by the National Youth League Conference of 2022, hence any adjustments should be done in consultation with the provinces and above all the Constitution of the party,” said Paradza.
“I have since written to the affected comrades guiding them to remain in their positions and continue with their responsibilities as mandated by the National Youth Conference of May 2022 until a clear instruction is issued by the secretary-general. Thus being said, the purported reshuffle is hereby put on hold until further notice,” he added.
Machakaire quickly responded, accusing Paradza of overstepping his authority and threatening disciplinary action if Paradza did not withdraw his letter.
“”You will note that your exercise of functions as Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs, there is absolutely no basis upon which you can purport to censure the due discharge of any of the functions of the Secretary for Youth Affairs,” Machakaire wrote, stating that he had received the approval of President Mnangagwa.
The dispute within the Youth League is a reflection of larger tensions within the party. In a recent meeting, the Zanu PF Mashonaland West Provincial Coordinating Committee endorsed the idea of Mnangagwa staying in power until 2030 to carry out his Vision 2030 agenda.
Zanu PF Politburo member Ziyambi Ziyambi denied rumors of factionalism between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, and urged unity within the party.
“Zanu PF has one centre of power, and party members must always be loyal to the sitting leader,” he said.
