End of the road for Zanu-PF youth chairman

ZANU-PF has upheld the decision by the Manicaland youth executive to vote out its provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, on allegations of corruption, nepotism, provoking divisions within the ruling party, insubordination and bringing the league into disrepute.

Zanu-PF national Secretary for youth affairs in the Politburo, Cde Absalom Sikhosana on Tuesday wrote to Cde Mukodza advising him of his sacking.

In a follow-up telephone interview on Wednesday, Cde Sikhosana confirmed the authenticity of the letter The Manica Post has in possession and also advised the provincial chairman, Cde Mike Madiro in writing to embrace lawyer Cde Kelvin Manyengavana as the acting youth leader.

The confirmation of Cde Mukodza's ouster came at a time when there was a war of attrition between the youth wing and Cde Madiro following his continued recognition of Cde Mukodza.

Cde Mukodza was ousted on December 13, 2012 at FITC.

The militant youth hierarchy comprising of Cde Manyengavana, Cde Mubuso Chinguno (secretary for administration), Cde Chaita Mhlanga (secretary for finance) and Lovemore Chibvura (secretary for commissariat) last Saturday boycotted a provincial meeting that Cde Madiro chaired citing the presence of Cde Mukodza.

The provincial executive meeting is attended by the top five members of the youth wing, five representatives from the women's league and 34 members of the main wing.

The youth wing vowed to fight Cde Madiro whom they accused of undermining their democratic right by shielding Cde Mukodza.

In a letter dated January 8, a copy which this paper has in possession, Cde Sikhosana advised Cde Madiro that he should embrace Cde Manyengavana as the acting provincial youth boss.

This, Cde Sikhosana explained, follows the constitutional ouster of Cde Mukodza.

"We write to advise that your youth league moved a vote-of-no-confidence on their chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza on 13th December 2012.

"This was in line with the provisions of the party constitution Article 29, Section 251, which requires a simple majority of members present to have the motion carried out. In that instance 21 members made that decision. At the same meeting, Cde Kelvin Manyengavana was chosen to act in the position of provincial youth chairman pending the election to choose a substantive chairman at a time to be advised.

"May I thank you for the guidance you have always provided to the youth and pray that you assist the new acting chairman in his new role," reads part of the letter copied to party national chairman Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, national secretary for administration, Cde Didymus Mutasa, national secretary for commissariat, Cde Webster Shamu and Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, the national secretary for legal affairs.

In a separate letter, also dated January 8, 2013, Cde Sikhosana advised Cde Mukodza that his sacking was binding.

Cde Mukodza was refusing to step down.

He now reverts to being an ordinary party member.

"As you are well aware, your province moved a vote-of-no-confidence against you on 13 December 2012 in line with the provision of Article 29 section 251 of the party constitution.

"In view of the development you are advised to cease acting in any way purporting to be representing the party.

"May I take this opportunity to thank you for the contribution you made during your tenure as the youth chairman for Manicaland Province," reads party of the letter copied to Cde Madiro, Cde Kenneth Saruchera (provincial secretary for administration), Cde Samanga (provincial secretary for commissariat) and Cde Manyengavana (acting youth chairman Manicaland).

The elections that ushered Cde Manyengavana to power were presided over by Central Committee members, Cde Kudzai Chipanga and Cde Lesman Humbe.