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ZAKA — Tensions have flared in Zaka South following a decision by local Member of Parliament Clemence Chiduwa to shut down an anti-drug abuse youth soccer tournament.
The initiative, spearheaded by a visually impaired member of the ruling Zanu PF party, was reportedly designed to steer local youth away from substance abuse and foster community engagement.
However, the event hit a brickwall when the MP intervened, allegedly banning the tournament because the organizers failed to secure formal clearance from the Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee (DDC), leadership which Chiduwa leads as per protocol.
The tournament was organised by a person with a disability, James Makaure from ward 27 under Chief Bota.
Disgruntled youth who spoke on condition of anonymity said the tournament was cancelled after Chiduwa called Makaure fuming that he was using the tournament to campaign for his seat and ordered the cancellation.
Makaure contested against Chiduwa in the 2023 primary elections; hence, it is alleged the sitting MP assumed the tournaments were being held to campaign for his seat despite the fact that there are no more elections until 2030.
“We are not happy about the cancellation of our soccer competitions organised by Mr Makaure. We have gathered that he called the organizer and threatened him to stop the tournament, saying that it has not been approved by the party leadership in the district,” said the youth.
The youth said the soccer tournament involved 12 local teams and was not organised along political party lines but was for all youths in the ward regardless of party affiliation as a way to fight drug and substance abuse.
Chiduwa was quick to dismiss the accusations, saying the tournament involved Zanu PF party youths, so the organisers did not follow party protocol to inform the district leadership; hence it was cancelled.
“The tournament involved party youth, and it was a political programme which was supposed to be organised via party procedure. They were supposed to inform the DDC and seek approval, but they did not; hence they had to be called to order,” he said.
Chiduwa also dismissed allegations that he was victimising Makaure because he is a threat to him in elections, as they have contested against each other before.
“How can they talk about elections in my constituency when we just passed CAB3, which is now an Act, We no longer have any election until 2030, and there is no reason for me to feel threatened,” he said.
Makaure confirmed his tournament has been cancelled but declined to shed more light, saying he was not allowed to speak to the media by his party.
Others also accused the MP of victimising and discriminating against Makure because of his disability, saying it was against the government and his party’s efforts towards inclusion.
Chiduwa vehemently rejected the accusations, saying he respects the party position of inclusion, which is tied to the mantra leaving no one behind.
Zanu PF Provincial Chairman Robson Mavhenyengwa said he was not aware of the friction between the two or the soccer tournament, but emphasised that if it involved party youths, the organisers were supposed to follow party procedure of informing and seeking approval from local leaders.
“ I am not aware of the tournament, but if it involved our party youth,h he was supposed to follow party protocols: ls that is to inform the leadership in the DCC and seek their approval, but if they were not informed, they cannot go ahead using our party youth and name,” said Mavhenyengwa.
