The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tinoda Machakaire, has appeared to criticise Wicknell Chivayo following the dramatic arrest of his ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, and her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda. The former couple have two children together.
Although he did not mention Chivayo by name, Machakaire, who is also ZANU PF Secretary for Youth Affairs, warned against “intimidation, abuse of authority or misuse of influence” in personal disputes — particularly those involving women and the elderly.
His comments come after Chivayo publicly mocked his former mother-in-law, saying she had “learnt a lesson” after spending several days in custody.
Machakaire said a man should honour and appreciate the mother of his children and respect her family.
He advised against using power to intimidate others or misusing influence against women and the elderly.
Machakaire said that no grievance, misunderstanding or separation should ever be used to justify suppressing, intimidating or humiliating another family through power, money or office.
“As a father, I believe one of the greatest responsibilities of a man is to honour and appreciate the woman who carries and nurtures the children that become part of his family. In doing so, respect for her family becomes a true reflection of one’s character, maturity and values, wrote Machakaire on X on Friday.
“As Minister of Youth, I wish to encourage our young citizens to embrace a culture of respect, dignity and restraint, particularly in moments of disagreement or personal conflict.
“True leadership is not demonstrated through intimidation, abuse of authority or the misuse of influence against others, especially women and the elderly.
“No grievance, misunderstanding or separation should ever justify the use of power, money, or office to suppress, intimidate or humiliate another family.
“Our children learn more from our conduct than from our words, and I want mine to inherit a legacy founded on respect, integrity, peace and humanity.”
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