Supporters of Chiwenga Rally Behind Machakaire Amid Zanu-PF Youth League Dispute

Youth Affairs Minister Tino Machakaire has garnered significant support from the General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association (GCVSA). This follows a controversial reshuffle within the Zanu-PF Youth League National Executive Council.

Machakaire announced leadership changes on December 9, 2024, describing the move as a step toward expediting key resolutions adopted at the October National People’s Conference.

Among these resolutions was the contentious proposal to extend President Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028. The President’s second and final term is otherwise set to conclude in that year.

Machakaire highlighted that the reshuffle would enhance the Youth League’s operational efficiency. He stressed its role in diligently fulfilling constitutional duties and implementing conference resolutions.

The reshuffle introduced new departmental heads, including Tsungai Makumbe as Secretary for Finance and Phineas Makombe as Commissariat Secretary. Other appointees assumed roles in legal, external, and technological affairs.

Supporters of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, organized under the GCVSA, applauded Machakaire’s decision. They hailed it as bold, essential, and a move toward restoring discipline within youth structures.

Despite the support, the reshuffle faced internal resistance. Machakaire’s deputy, John Paradza, invalidated the changes in a letter dated December 10, 2024, citing procedural concerns.

Paradza asserted that the affected officials were elected during the 2022 National Youth League Conference. He emphasized their mandates were ratified and should remain intact.

The deputy minister instructed the impacted members to retain their positions, effectively challenging the reshuffle’s legality until further notice.

This clash has amplified existing tensions within Zanu-PF, where infighting has drawn scrutiny. Machakaire’s actions, seen by some as divisive, continue to stir political debate.

The GCVSA’s involvement highlights its growing influence, aligning itself with Chiwenga’s perceived presidential ambitions. This factionalism underscores deeper divisions within the ruling party.

Machakaire’s reshuffle appears to reflect broader political maneuvering. The implications for Zanu-PF’s unity and the Youth League’s functionality remain uncertain as power dynamics evolve.

Observers suggest the party’s internal disputes could escalate, particularly with contrasting loyalties between President Mnangagwa and Vice President Chiwenga.

The Youth League’s strategic importance within Zanu-PF makes this reshuffle pivotal. Whether it achieves the intended discipline or exacerbates discord is a question time will answer.

As these developments unfold, attention shifts to how Zanu-PF’s leadership reconciles growing factional divisions. Both unity and internal stability appear increasingly precarious within the party.