Cde Taurai “Anti-Gakanje” Kandishaya
By Dickson Bandera
Zanu PF official, Cde Taurai Kandishaya, who serves as Deputy National Political Commissar of the Zanu PF Youth League and president of the Africa Youth Congress, has claimed that Nelson Chamisa and other opposition leaders do not take former MP Job Sikhala seriously.
Kandishaya made the remarks following his attendance at the launch of Sikhala’s biography, “Footprints in the Chains: The Life of Job Sikhala”, authored by Munyaradzi Angero Savanhu and launched on Friday at the SAPES Trust in Harare.
The book features a foreword by former Botswana president Ian Seretse Khama and drew a mixed crowd of politicians, activists, and diplomats.
Kandishaya emerged as the highest bidder for the book, paying US$760 — a sum he said was funded from the sale of sweet potatoes and two sheep.
“Today, I attended the launch of Job Sikhala’s book at SAPES Trust, which drew a notable crowd, including prominent opposition figures like Nelson Chamisa, Charlton Hwende, Thabani Mpofu, Ibbo Mandaza, and Arnold Tsunga. Interestingly, the highest bidder for the book was the Director of Ceremonies, who happens to be Sikhala’s nephew, offering US$200,” Kandishaya said.
“However, I noticed that even opposition leaders didn’t seem to take Sikhala seriously, as evidenced by Nelson Chamisa and his team’s decision not to purchase the book,” he added.
Kandishaya said his gesture was meant to show Sikhala that people from across the political divide could support him — as long as he toed what Kandishaya termed “the correct line.”
“I demonstrated to Sikhala that we love to see him succeeding in life, for as long as he follows the right path. Despite the presence of embassy officials, I stood out as the highest bidder with US$750. This is a clear message that a country is built by its citizens — Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. We welcome everyone,” he said.
He also took aim at those who once cheered Sikhala’s activism but allegedly failed to support him financially.
“My brother, despite your travels to Switzerland, where you spoke negatively about your beautiful country Zimbabwe, not a single person from there has shown interest in buying your book. No official from the USA has purchased it, and even those for whom you protested have ignored you,” he charged.
“However, I’ve taken the initiative to support you by buying your book. That means we appreciate you more than those who never visited you in prison. I encourage you to reconsider your stance and join Zanu PF. After all, money has no colour, and even those who criticize the accumulation of wealth by fellow black people still need it.”
In a parting shot, Kandishaya also aimed at opposition youths to participate in empowerment programmes.
“To all opposition youths who are discouraged from participating in President Mnangagwa’s empowerment initiatives by your own leaders — today is an example that shows they deny you opportunities out of jealousy and double standards.”
He ended his remarks on a lighter note, urging Sikhala to enjoy the proceeds from the book sale.
“Job Wiwa Sikhala, enjoy the proceeds of goodwill extended to you by me. I loved your smile — it reminds me of the Jah Prayzah song ‘Ibvo… Ukaona mari unotamba…’,” Kandishaya quipped.
