Zanu PF’s Machakaire Challenges Young People To Reject Protests

By Staff Reporter
ZANU PF Secretary for Youth Affairs Tino Machakaire has come under criticism after urging young Zimbabweans to reject planned demonstrations, with critics arguing that his remarks fail to address the worsening economic hardships driving public discontent.

His appeal comes as calls grow for protests against Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), with many Zimbabweans citing unemployment, the high cost of living and declining public services as reasons for demanding change.

Critics contend that simply urging citizens to avoid demonstrations without presenting tangible solutions does little to ease their daily struggles.
In a statement on Tuesday, Machakaire insisted that Zimbabweans should embrace dialogue instead of taking to the streets.

“Zimbabwe is a nation built on the values of unity, peace, dialogue and collective responsibility,” he said.

“At this critical stage of our country’s development, we must remain focused on building a better future rather than engaging in actions that have the potential to reverse the progress we have made.”

Machakaire also argued that citizens should use existing channels to engage the government before resorting to protests.
“As Zimbabweans, we must not rush into demonstrations and protests without first exhausting the available channels of engagement and dialogue with Government.”

He added: “The Government remains committed to listening to the concerns of the people and finding lasting solutions through constructive dialogue.”


The minister further defended the Second Republic, claiming it had embraced an open-door policy and was delivering development through infrastructure projects.

“Zimbabwe is on a development trajectory, with significant investments being made in infrastructure development, modernisation and the improvement of people’s livelihoods,” he said.

He also warned against demonstrations, saying: “Protests that result in instability, violence and the destruction of property do not provide solutions to the challenges facing our people.”

However, critics argue that Machakaire’s statement sidesteps the core issues fuelling public frustration, including persistent economic difficulties, youth unemployment and declining living standards.

They contend that calls for peace and dialogue ring hollow in the absence of concrete measures to improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans, particularly young people who continue to bear the brunt of the country’s economic challenges.

Supporters of demonstrations maintain that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and insist that many citizens have repeatedly voiced their concerns through existing channels without seeing meaningful change.