JM: Yes, it is a requirement because (once I become an MP) I become partisan, so it will be unfair to belong to a political party and continue lecturing. I would find it very difficult to criticize my own party. The law also requires that a Member of Parliament should not be in fulltime employment elsewhere.
TJ: How long have you been actively involved with MDC?
JM: I participated in the discussions pertaining to its formation. I actually had a long conversation with Morgan Tsvangirai in my house in Buhera in 1999 when he was still the secretary for ZCTU, coming up with strategies for the party.
TJ: Why MDC and not any other political party?
JM: MDC is a progressive political party. It is liberal and believes in social democracy, unlike Zanu (PF) which believes in so called socialism, which is a failed ideology. I believe strongly in democracy and I have no tolerance for dictatorship.
TJ: What deal did you strike with Eric Matinenga to replace him?
JM: I didn’t strike any deal with Eric Matinenga. What happened is that Matinenga told the people in Buhera West that he was only going to run for one term and the leadership in Buhera West asked him to talk to me about replacing him.
So, he approached and asked me whether I wanted to stand in parliament. I talked to my wife and family and they all agreed. Then we went and spoke to PM Tsvangirai who also agreed. At the moment, we are working together in Buhera West.
TJ: When you publicly announced that you would be standing, Matinenga complained that you had done it prematurely. Who was right?
JM: I believe the timing was perfect. I put the fear of God in the hearts of many who would have wanted to stand. I didn’t want to announce that I was standing for the constituency two days before the nomination for primary elections. I also did not want to put a lot of people into panic and pain, so I decided to tell the people a year in advance. I did not advise Matinenga about my decision to announce because I am my own person and I make independent decisions.
TJ: How are the people from your intended constituency responding to you?
JM: They are fantastic! We held our first rally at Marenga about six weeks ago and there were more than 1,000 people. They are enthusiastic and expectant. They want me to win and work with them in various projects.
TJ: Do you agree that MDC is getting comfortable in the GNU and has abandoned the people?
JM: I think it is Zanu (PF) propaganda because that party is scared of MDC-T. It is trying to create negative vibes by telling people a lot of lies about the party. It is not comfortable; in fact it is holding many more rallies than Zanu (PF) but only a few people know about because we don’t have ZBC, The Herald and radios to cover our events. Anyway let the elections come and we will show whether we have been comfortable or not.
TJ: Do you think that MDC has a clear ideology?
JM: Yes, it is called liberal democracy. It is the ideology which emphasizes on freedom of choice, freedom of expression and the right to life.
TJ: Assuming that you win, would you run again for a second term?
JM: I would consider it, but l would need good reasons for doing that. Otherwise, l am quite happy to serve for five years like Matinenga did. Then I will get back to UZ and teach.
TJ: UZ seems to be the only university with lecturers who are vocal against Mugabe. Why are others cowed?
JM: Well, the UZ is the university in Zimbabwe. When one wants to enroll for university they come to UZ because it is mature and we practice academic freedom of expression. However, if one is to try that at any other university they risk losing their jobs. I am a very strong critic of Robert Mugabe but I was called once by the Vice Chancellor and told to be quiet. I told him to forget it. He asked me to stop being interviewed by foreign journalists and l told him that l would talk to journalists wherever l found them.
TJ: Do you think that student activism is still relevant and effective?
JM: It’s weak, it is almost dead in Zimbabwe. When l was a student with people like Arthur Mutambara, we used to give government trouble by criticizing them. But now the students are really scared. In other universities they have even banned politics.
TJ: Is it true that Vice Chancellors at state universities are chosen on partisan grounds?
JM: That is very true, when it comes to state universities people apply on the basis of merit but when the final selection is done, a Zanu (PF) sympathizer is given the job. A VC at a State university is a political appointment. As a result, the merit of the incumbent is quite questionable.
TJ: What is the nature of your relationship with vice chancellor Levy Nyagura and others before him?
JM: I have no problem with him because we are honest with each other. The worst Vice Chancellors that l worked with were Gordon Chavhunduka and Graham Hill. Chavhunduka suspended me because l had exposed the corruption exercised by Christopher Mushowe, who was admitted into the university without a first degree. When Hill came, Mushowe had failed my course so he could not graduate but Hill awarded him a Masters (degree).
TJ: What do you say about corruption in MDC?
JM: It is probably 1 percent of the corruption in Zanu (PF). The problem is that we are all victims of the corruption in Zanu (PF) because it has been running this country for 32 years. However the difference is that MDC-T kicks out those who are found to be corrupt but, with Zanu (PF), one can even be promoted for being corrupt.
TJ: What do you think about the Prime Minister’s love life?
JM: If l was Morgan Tsvangirai I would have been more discreet. He is a public figure so he is always in the spotlight; otherwise it is normal. After the death of Susan, many women were very keen to marry him. He was back on the market and the women were hunting and haunting him.
TJ: Tell me briefly about yourself.
JM: I am married with three children and I look after my late brother’s two children. My wife is an academic and she is a blessing in my life. I have published a lot of books and reports. I love teaching and I believe that MDC is the answer to the damage that has been done by Zanu (PF).
Post published in: Analysis