YOUTH, Sport, Arts and Recreation deputy minister Tinoda Machakaire on Wednesday challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to fire him if he does not deliver on his mandate to transform the lives of the youths.
Addressing thousands of Zanu PF youths who gathered for the party’s National Youth Convention in Kadoma, Machakaire vowed that he would not sleep on duty.
“I don’t want to hog this office and be unproductive. I want to tell you President (Mnangagwa) today that, please, don’t hesitate to send me packing if I fail to perform and deliver my mandate to transform the lives of the youths and Zimbabweans at large, in line with Vision 2030,” Machakaire said, to the applause of the crowd.
He showered praises on Mnangagwa for the $500 million youth fund that was unveiled.
Machakaire said he would ensure that there was transparency in the disbursement of the funds.
“Distribution would not be on partisan lines or using a referral system. We are making sure that there will be transparency and accountability in handling the funds,” he added.
The last youth fund was abused, with youths diverting funds to pamber extravagant lifestyles, forcing banks to bear the brunt of Non- Performing Loans.
Machakaire pleaded with Mnangagwa to consider channelling a quota of the Presidential Inputs Scheme towards the youths.
He highlighted that lately, there had been active participation of the youths in the agricultural sector.
“I am appealing to the President and Lands minister to allocate at least a hectare each to the youths for their consumption.
“That is one way we can capacitate them,” he said.
Meanwhile, at the same event the youthful politician donated a public address system to embattled musician Andy Muridzo, who was recently ditched by his band members.