ZANU PF acting secretary for youth Tendai Chirau (TC) speaks to Zim Morning Post chief reporter, Philemon Jambaya (PJ), on his recent appointment.
Below are excerpts of the interview.
PJ: First of all, congratulations for being appointed as acting youth league secretary for Zanu PF. What is your vision and plan for the youth league, going forward?
TC: The plan that I have is not mine. My role is to ensure that the plan is executed and implemented. But the main focus is to ensure that we spearhead the empowerment agenda for the young people. When I talk about empowerment of the young people, I talk about the issue of involvement.
That means involvement in parastatals, empowerment in terms of access to resources, education and health.This is the main focus that we have so that we ensure we cultivate a generation that is patriotic and contributes to the development agenda of Zimbabwe.
PJ: It is only two weeks now after you have been appointed as the acting youth secretary but accusations which are circulating – especially on social media platforms – suggest that you chickened out of the Press conference here by Matutu and Tsenengamu in Harare two weeks ago.
It is said you were part of it but only chickened out at the last minute. Can you shed more light on that?
TC: If I was a part of it, I would have been present and you should have seen me. Media invitation cards were clear: Tsenengamu and Matutu were in charge.
PJ: Those corruption issues; how do you see them?
TC: As the Zanu PF youth league, we are very clear as to who we should report to, that is, the main wing of the party. When the leadership clarifies and gives direction, and in this particular case the politburo, then we have to use the procedures and structures established to deal with any threats.
So we encourage Zimbabweans, whether in our structures of the party or outside, to follow laid down procedures as far as reporting on corruption is concerned.
PJ: Some said the Press conference on cartels exposed that there were some cracks and fights within Zanu PF?
TC: I will not talk of fights that I don’t know of. What I know is that Zanu PF leadership is united. Its members also follow laid down procedures because if you are an organisation, you have to follow regulations and directives of that organisation you fall under.
PJ: So are you saying there are no fights at all?
TC: There are no fights. Zanu PF is united under the economic reform agenda of this country.
PJ: Tell us about your relationship with your suspended bosses.
TC: During our time in the youth league, we worked very well. Matutu was the deputy and Tsenengamu was our political commissar.
Internal contradictions do happen within the party, but it doesn’t mean or signify that there is disunity.
PJ: On the issue of corruption, you spoke about the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc). Does the Zanu PF Youth League have names of who should be handed over to Zacc and the police?
TC: Currently, we have no names.
PJ: So you believe there is no corruption in the party or Zimbabwe?
TC: Corruption is there but it has to be proved. It also has to be tackled in a more organised and systematic manner.
PJ: What should be done in order to salvage the economy?
TC: Remember, we are operating in a hostile and sanctioned environment. But be that as it may, we should agree that there are things we are doing right. For example, we have had a budget surplus which can be used as a social safety net.
PJ: Some are saying the situation in Zimbabwe needs dialogue between Mnangagwa and MDC Alliance president, Nelson Chamisa.
What’s your take on that?
TC: The issue of dialogue is not something that is provided for in our party constitution. Moreover, the country’s constitution is very clear. When you go to elections and win with 50 percent plus one vote, you take over as President.
PJ: Are they any plans by Zanu PF to celebrate Youth Day on 21 February as was the case during the time of Robert Mugabe.
TC: At the moment, I cannot pre-empt the day’s scheduled activities. We are going to be guided by the leadership of our country to see what will happen on that particular day. When we finally have the answer, we will respond accordingly.
PJ: Our Constitution became functional in 2013. There are now calls, especially from Zanu PF to amend it. Why put patches on a new garment?
TC: As people evolve, there are new developments that come to play. The Constitution was made out of a compromised agreement with the three political parties during the Government of National Unity. There are some clauses that need to be perfected. That’s the advantage of having a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
PJ: What is your message to the young people out there?
TC: My message is they should know that this country is safe under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
