adminCletus Mushanawani News Editor
ZANU-PF youth wing will not support any leaders undermining them as well as neglecting them in empowerment programmes, says the national secretary for youth affairs.
Speaking at the belated 21st Movement Celebrations held at DC Mutasa last Saturday, national secretary for youth affairs, Cde Pupurai Togarepi, said all leaders should emulate President Mugabe who walks his talk.
“President Mugabe has remained steadfast despite the onslaught on him from the days of the liberation struggle up to now. President Mugabe is on record calling for the empowerment of youths, but there are some of our leaders who appear to be undermining his directive and authority and we will surely work to decampaign such leaders in all forthcoming elections.
“All those in leadership positions should know that youths now constitute 70 percent of the voters and we do not want a situation where we will be forced to use our numbers to vote you out of office during primary elections. Let this be a warning to all those frustrating youth empowerment programmes. If you fight the interests of the youths, we are going to fight you too. We view all those undermining youths as sell-outs,” he said.
Cde Togarepi said 50 percent of the new land being identified for resettlement should be allocated to youths.
“We do not want corruption at all levels. As leaders you should know that all the corruption and looting which is taking place is being done in the eyes of the youths. Children tend to pick up their elders’ behaviour and we do not want this to happen in Zanu-PF as this will reverse the gains of the liberation struggle. If you opt to be selfish in the land redistribution exercise, if given an opportunity, the youths will follow suit.
“We know that some ministers are just lazy and good at nepotism which is resulting in looting of some parastatals because they would have filled the parastatals with their relatives. As youths we now want representations in parastatals’ boards. We need to understudy those in positions so that there can be a smooth take over from the current generation,” he said.
Cde Togarepi who is also the chairman of the Zimbabwe War Collaborators Association, took a swipe at bigwigs in Zanu-PF who use the youths to further their political ambitions, yet they do not want their children to be involved in political activities.
“To all chefs, your children should be part of the Zanu-PF youth league. Where are your children? Whose child do you want to sweat for you while your own child is relaxed and some in far away countries?
“As leaders you should ensure that your children are also active political players,” said Cde Togarepi to wild applauses from the thousands in attendance.
He called for the investigations of retrenchments being done at Chiadzwa diamond fields which are said to be done on tribal lines.
Speaking at the same occasion, Zanu-PF secretary for Transport and Welfare, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, warned power hungry leaders to desist from such practice.
“We should all take a reflection on how this country was liberated. It took a lot of sacrifice from gallant sons and daughters of this country for it to be free. You should not be greedy because people will be watching you. Do not cry foul if the same people turn their backs on you.
“Youths should learn from your elders. Your time will come,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri.
The belated 21st Movement celebrations was organised by the Manicaland provincial youth leadership. Resources were raised by the fundraising committee chaired by the wing’s secretary for finance, Cde Getty Mutandi, which had secretary for administration, Cde Victor Saunyama as its spokesperson.
Online Reporter