By Own Correspondent| Barely a week after the suspension of Zanu PF youth secretary Pupurai Togarepi and his other top lieutenants ,there are already spirited campaigns by some young politicians in the party to take over with names like that of the former deputy finance minister Terrence Mukupe being thrown in.
According to one ruling party activist who requested anonymity the controversial Terence Mukupe is one of the many names of individuals who are poised to take over from the underfire Pupurai Togarepi.
“The former deputy minister of finance and Harare East MP was suggested by some. It was said he would use his financial muscle to revive the youth league but however, many view him as lacking leadership qualities, ”said the activist.
The Deputy Information minister Energy Mutodi is also another candidate being touted for the top post and the former Rhumba singer once hinted that he won’t hesitate to take the lead if granted such an opportunity.
The acting secretary general Tendai Chirau , Wedza South MP Tino and Godwin Gomwe are heavily tipped to take over .
“Chirau is being acknowledged because he is corruption and scandal free. However having served as secretary for administration many accused him of being idle and not initiating programmes beneficial to youths while some crushed that assertion pointing out he was not the one calling the shots.
“Also in the fray is Godwin Gomwe , the former Harare Youth Chairman boss and current DCC 2 Chairman is the most trending. At least a 200 groups are passionately pushing for his elevation stating that if he does not become Secretary of youth affairs he shoul at least become the PC as he is energetic ,innovative and with a proven track record of being faithful to the Party. His charisma was regarded as the key ingredient to breath life in the docile youth league.
“But the most popular is Tinoda ‘Tinmac Machakaire’ the Wedza South MP has impressed many with his inspiring reign as deputy minister of youths , sports, arts and recreation. People expressed that the young and super rich Tinmac is humble and helping ED in uplifting the lives of the citizens and making ZANU PF more popular,” revealed the activist.
Other names in the race are John Muchenje, Mayor Wadyajena and Kenneth Pasipamire .
“John Muchenje who recently scooped the young champion farmer from Midlands is said to be inspirational and hard working constantly breaking new ground. However the majority said he is ‘too chilled’ and not a politician and recommended he sticks to farming.
“There is also Kenneth Pasipamire who is a millionaire based in SA and is in his early 30s but his biggest undoing is that he is hardly in Zimbabwe while Wadyajena was discredited for being pompous ,’’cited the mole.
Activist Taurai Kandishaya who fronts Citizens Forum and has been hogging the limelight for his fiery antics in defending the ED-led administration is also believed to be poised to take over in one of the roles in the youth league in the event that the trio of Togarepi,Matutu and Tsenengamu are shown the exit.