Zimbabwe's Minister of Youth Machakaire Denounces Tenderpreneurship, Sparks Debate Within ruling party ZANU-PF

Youth Minister Tino Machakaire has sparked fresh debate on corruption and economic fairness after strongly distancing himself from controversial government tender practices in remarks made in Bulawayo.

Addressing a meeting, Machakaire declared: “I am not part of those who do things wrongly. I have never been awarded a public tender, I do not wish to have a public tender. There are so many opportunities you can get without being in tenders.”

His comments are widely seen as a direct challenge to the culture of “tenderpreneurship,” where politically connected individuals are accused of securing lucrative state contracts without following due process. Within ZANU-PF, some elites have long faced criticism for allegedly building vast business empires through government tenders.

Among the frequently cited figures is Wicknell Chivayo, whose name has been linked to multiple high-value deals in sectors such as energy—particularly involving ZESA—and road construction projects. These associations have fueled public concern over transparency, accountability, and fairness in the awarding of state contracts.

Although Machakaire did not mention any individuals by name, his remarks signal a growing willingness among some within government to confront the issue, while also positioning himself as an advocate for clean business practices.

The statement is likely to resonate with many young Zimbabweans who have long argued that access to economic opportunities should not depend on political connections, but rather on merit, innovation, and integ

rity.