Kicking up defenceless folk, gratuitous provocation of specific communities and ignoring the devastating impact of tribalism has been the signature model of a calamitous ZANU PF government. Matabeleland’s experience is that ZANU PF’s Zimbabwe is brutal, perverse, regressive, insular and fearful of difference. In it lies no hope for peaceful coexistence of different races andContinue reading “Pro-Mthwakazi and protest politics”
Category Archives: Nonviolent resistance
Learn how Zimbabwean politics and institutions shape poverty in Mthwakazi
Until you have insight of features of slavery, you cannot fight it; until you are able to define your freedom in your own words and freely live your life within that definition, you are not free. For Mthwakazi people to set themselves free, they need to have an understanding that within the borders of ZimbabweContinue reading “Learn how Zimbabwean politics and institutions shape poverty in Mthwakazi”
Strengthen local politics to rebuild a nation
Do not believe the oppressor’s interpretation of the victim’s behaviour, listen to the oppressed. Becoming conscious of tribalism and confronting it wherever it raises its ugly head does not make one a tribalist. Pro-Mthwakazi groups and individuals who highlight and challenge tribalism in Zimbabwe must not be confused with the real tribalists in government.
We can’t afford neutrality
Generations before us fought not against the white leaders but the oppressive laws and their systems brought in by white leaders of the time. In equal measure, we in Mthwakazi will not focus on tribe but the system and its laws and fight them. Our biggest let down has been those individuals, groups, movements andContinue reading “We can’t afford neutrality”
Principle and strong institutions
How Mthwakazi has been dealing with the problems of being subservient to the Zimbabwean system and institutions is the major problem. Problems do not cease because we choose to ignore their presence, but by people facing up to them, standing up together and taking responsible action to find solutions.
Let the Mthwakazi freedom come
Institutionalised tribalism and political patronage are the pinnacle of Zimbabwean politics. But whether one agrees or disagrees with the assertion, you cannot deny it is illogical for a Mthwakazi city to be run by outsiders. Is it not evidence enough the system is flawed if equally capable locals are overlooked for none professional reasons?
Is vote boycott best participation?
Matabeleland has suffered despicable human rights abuses under the ZANU PF regime. We have been delegitimised to such an extent that some of our people are increasingly willing to lose their right to vote rather than be associated with Zimbabwean systems.
Political opportunists threaten Mthwakazi political space
A seemingly short life characterised with glorious action, and filled with noble risks is by all intents worth more than double a long but selfish life lived in relative safety avoiding risks and without honour. When we choose not to participate in politics we give free rein to hypocrites and panderers.
Mthwakazi: Planning and patience key
Our problems today are broadly similar to those that undermine most modern African states and that many other past societies also struggled to solve. Zimbabwe’s rocky past offers us a rich database from which we can learn in order that we may build a better political system with equally strong supporting institutions.
Change approach: A participatory method the only way forward for Mthwakazi
A lesson to be retained by all freedom seekers – freedom is never free; people have to work for it. It is only when we start moving that we will feel the chains restricting us; if we want to be free, we must actively search for the keys and unlock the locks that are keepingContinue reading “Change approach: A participatory method the only way forward for Mthwakazi”