Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Tinoda Machakaire has strongly pushed back against remarks by former legislator Temba Mliswa, who accused him of failing to defend President Emmerson Mnangagwa and weakening the Zanu-PF Youth League.
Mliswa had criticised Machakaire’s leadership style, suggesting the Youth League had become passive and ineffective. However, Machakaire dismissed the comments as misinformed and politically motivated.
“As an appointee of His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of Zanu-PF, I operate strictly within the confines and boundaries of that appointment, guided by duty, discipline and respect for established structures,” he said.
He emphasised that his role is focused on development rather than political theatrics.
“My role, and indeed that of the Youth League, is not to engage in reactionary theatrics or social media grandstanding, but to contribute meaningfully to national development and the realisation of Vision 2030,” he said.
Machakaire accused Mliswa of seeking attention through public criticism, arguing that such remarks reflect a misunderstanding of current leadership priorities within the ruling party.
He rejected comparisons to former Youth League chairperson Kudzanai Chipanga, saying political approaches from the past cannot be imposed on present structures.
“The politics of yesterday cannot be imposed on the present,” he said.
Machakaire also stressed that internal party discipline and communication channels must be respected.
“Matters of concern are addressed through proper channels, not through public outbursts that risk undermining cohesion and collective progress,” he said.
He added that the Youth League is currently focused on empowerment programmes, skills development and broader youth economic participation rather than confrontational politics.
“The expectation that leadership must be performative in order to be effective is outdated and misguided,” he said.
Machakaire concluded by urging constructive engagement, warning against what he described as attempts to distract from national development priorities.
“Leadership is demonstrated through work, discipline and results, not commentary,” he said.
Source – pindula
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