The ManicaPost
Political Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the Zanu-PF youth congress are progressing well amid revelations that the party’s national electorate directorate has endorsed a proposal making only those that have served in the provincial structures for five years eligible to contest for posts in the wings’ national executive.
Other recommendations that got the nod include the gender parity in the national youth executive, while all contestants should be within the 15-35 years bracket.
Zanu-PF national secretary for youth affairs and Politburo member Cde Absolom Sikhosana told The Manica Post on Wednesday that the league’s structures were well sensitised and raring to go.
“We are already there, the structures are well sensitised and we are ready for a very, very successful congress. We are making sure that everything that is required is in place,” said Cde Sikhosana.
The youth congress runs from August 7 to 10 at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare.
The Zanu-PF youth leader, who is also member of the electorate directorate, was, however, evasive when asked about the league’s electoral guidelines.
This follows revelations that the body deliberated on the matter on Wednesday and endorsed recommendations allowing only those that have served the league at provincial levels to contest for national posts.
For the recommendations to be enforced, they require the approval of the Politburo and Central Committee respectively.
If adopted, the recommendations will deal a fatal blow to Gokwe-Nembudziya legislator Cde Justice Major Wadyejena, who was eyeing the deputy secretary for youth affairs post alongside three other contestants.
Cde Wadyejena is the secretary for administration in the Midlands youth executive, where he assumed the reins nine months ago.
The elimination of Cde Wadyejena will leave his major rival and Makoni West legislator Cde Kudzi Chipanga with little competition.
Cde Chipanga, who is the secretary for external affairs in the outgoing executive, faces challenges from Cde Mike Gava and the incumbent Cde Edison Chakanyuka.
Cde Chipanga, who is the secretary for external affairs in the outgoing executive, faces challenges from Cde Mike Gava and the incumbent Cde Edison Chakanyuka. Cde Chakanyuka’s popularity waned following accusations that he stole a tonne of sugar donated as a present to President Mugabe during the 21st February celebrations earlier this year.
Gava is also a member of the outgoing national executive where he served as secretary for commissariat.
“That is the problem with you Press people, you want to rush us yet we are a very organised political party. Why talking about Christmas before it is due? Just as Christmas comes once in December, we will surely brief you when we get there. For now just hold your horse,” said Cde Sikhosana.
Chipanga has the backing of Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Mash East, Mash Central, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and Masvingo.
Cde Wadyejena is being backed by Matabeleland South and Harare provinces. Mashonaland Central has shifted its allegiance towards him following the suspension of its top brass.
Cde Chipanga refused to shed light on his chances.
“We are not allowed to discuss such issues with the Press. The best person to comment on such issues is the Secretary for Youth Affairs, Cde Absolom Sikhosana,” he said.
Other youth members vying for national executive slots in Manicaland are Cde Sheila Mutsenhu, Cde Lovemore Chibvura, Cde Lesman Humbe, Cde Admire Mahachi, Cde Betty Dhliwayo, Cde Joshua Sacco, Cdes Luckson Momberume, Onai Ndemera and Kudzi Mariga.
Apart from Cde Chipanga, other members of the outgoing executive from Manicaland include Cdes Sacco, Humbe and Agnes Chigwada.
