Diversity of political views in Mthwakazi comes as no surprise, we are a tolerant, culturally diverse, multinational state. What is surprising rather is the extent to which individuals and groups (political and civic) holding different views have, for years now, been willing to surrender their responsibilities and allow for that diversity to maintain Mthwakazi’s political prisoner status in Zimbabwe.
Category: Democracy
Self-doubt is the prisoner of dreams; the pro-Mthwakazi political vision is stuttering because those bereft of creativity and those captive to doubt dominate the socio-political space. We have local citizens who, out of their own fears and limitations, are quick to ridicule and pour scorn on every pro-Mthwakazi idea.
It is disconcerting and disgusting to hear ‘independent’ political analysts trying to apportion blame to Matabeleland people for the tribal disharmony in Zimbabwe. These groups or individuals seek political relevance through a failed attempt to mask actions of a clearly tribalist and offensive political system created by ZANU tribalists and backed by most in Mashonaland.
If, as Mthwakazi, we want to accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. Top of the list we want an end to an unjust system that has politically propelled Mashonaland dominance over Mthwakazi and the establishment of a fair system that includes Mthwakazi socio-political norms and values. This fundamental demand motivates people to take a stand against tribal, corrupt, abusive and autocratic governance. Our people want a rules-based system and institutions.
Our independence was born out of opposition, opposition to the power of the colonial government that oppressed black people’s rights and the desire for equality of citizens. We got territorial independence but lost individual freedoms. Today’s Matabeleland opposition is born out of the desire to resist the aggressive forces overwhelming us, i.e. the resistance to crumbling under the weight of ZANU PF/ MDC tribal Shona agenda.
No sane person should wake up and be happy with the present state of things in Zimbabwe. We cannot accept the country as it is and lay claim to sanity. Each day we should wake up with a feeling of revulsion because of the injustice of things. First, victims and beneficiaries must reject tribalism and stop making excuses for systems, institutions and policies that dehumanise other people because of their social background.
