Name: Takawira Mupakati
Party: National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
Takawira Mupakati is of the opinion that through a parliamentary platform, he can lead sustainable development in Chipinge South Constituency. He started his political career in 2000 when he was still a teenager through a strong opposition to the Zanu PF regime. His opposition to Zanu PF brought to him the ire from the Zanu PF outfit led by Enock Porusingazi, and this resulted in his family’s homestead being burnt down. Takawira joined the local structures of MDC T Youth Assembly as the Chairperson in 2007. He was part of the campaign team that ensured Meki Makuyana’s unprecedented victory in 2008. After the 2008 harmonised elections, he willingly relinquished his post as the MDC T Youth Assembly in favor of Clifford Hlatywayo, who wanted to use the local structures as a launch pad for national politics within the MDC T structures. In 2011, Takawira Mupakati was elected MDC T Harare Province Youth Assembly Secretary for Policy and Research. He left the political outfit due to its approval to the COPAC process, a process that he strongly believed was against the true tenets and principles of constitutionalism. COPAC was a process that he viewed as both disturbing and contradictory. The current constitution was formulated from the two dominant politician’s perspectives. NCA has a vibrant history of advocating for constitutionalism and good governance in Zimbabwe.
Takawira Mupakati began to see his own activism experience in a wider social and political context in 2012 and has clearly committed himself to the transformation of the constituency. The political diversity in the Chipinge District have reasserted well the people’s abilities to communicate with and hear each other. He nostalgically recalled the days when his critique of the system of governance in Zimbabwe was anchored on constitutionalism. It was not only in content of his commitments but also in the approach to social justice issues and community development framework that has defined his activism.
Politics in Zimbabwe is typically regarded as a space for resourceful and experienced men and young people are systematically marginalized because of the young age, limited opportunities and projected lack of experience. However, the presence of young people in political processes is transformational. While young people often play central and catalyzing roles in political parties, Takawira Mupakati believes that he is a strong political leader who can bring the necessary development and cohesion within the constituency. He has been active in the fight for land rights and social justice in Chisumbanje and Chinyamukwakwa communal areas. The villagers became victims of a large-scale investment that was established in 2009 by Greenfuel Pvt (Ltd) which led to encroachment into communal lands and displacement of the villagers. Mupakati was very articulate in addressing the social injustice being faced by the villagers. Again, he has been involved in magnifying the youth voice in the community that subsequently led in the reinforcements of social ties that enhances young people’s contribution to community development.
However, the candidate would have to battle with equally outstanding contenders for the sole ticket to represent Chipinge Soutrh Constituency. In fact, the aspirant will have to battle it out against Kudakwashe Chiororo (Independent), Hlatywayo Clifford (MDC Alliance), Kumbula Kudakwashe (ZIPP), Moyana Jerry (Independent) and Enock Porusingazi (Zanu PF). Invariably, the role of National Assembly representation require a confident and courageous individual with a clear understanding of the challenges and as well, who has capacity and passion to develop commensurate strategies and actions in line with the core aspirations of the constituency.
Takawira Mupakati together with Clifford Hlatywayo,Vhurande Mahlupeko and Claris Madhuku became key in the registration and formalization of the Platform for Youth Development Trust (PYD). Platform for Youth Development has become a genuine community voice that has provided a platform for young people to grow and positively contribute to the socio-political and economic development of their local communities. Takawira started as the Programmes Officer and later became elevated to the Finance and Administration Officer.
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