The Zimbabwean’s Brenna Matendere (BM) tracked Nyasha Mkhahlera (NM) down to find out why he wishes to follow in his father’s footsteps.
BM: Why did you decide to enter politics?
NM: I liked politics at a young age. My father was the first MDC-T MP for the Gweru Urban constituency in 2000.I used to travel around with him and in the process I built relationships with people.
The passion kept growing. So I can say working with people has inspired my decision to enter active politics.
BM: Is it fair to say that you want to ride on the success of your father to win the next elections?
NM: I believe in myself. My father was my inspiration but I feel that is not what people should judge me on. I have new things to offer and I will be a new politician altogether.
BM: You say you want the Gweru Urban seat which was once occupied by your father. Why?
NM: I have spent the whole of my life in this constituency. So I identify with the people more than I would do elsewhere. I understand their problems and I know how as an MP I can turn around their lives.
BM: You spent some time in the UK. Did that not disconnect you from the situation on the ground?
NM: I was away for a few years. It has been five years now since I came back. It was actually a blessing that I had experienced life in the UK, a developed country. I learnt a lot about how things are done, how a country is run and so on. I want to use that knowledge to help build a better Zimbabwe.
BM: Given your young age, do you think you have the political maturity to represent Gweru Urban in Parliament?
NM: The future of this country lies with the youths – so together we can plan what we want to do in 50 years or more to come. I have the energy.
Countries which are doing fine in the world are not being run by octogenarians. Look at Obama (US President) Zuma (South African President) Cameron (British PM) and others.
Closer home, young ministers in the inclusive Government are receiving praises. I will make it.
Right from the top where youths are led by Solomon Madzore, the feeling is that more from the youth wing should be supported into getting parliamentary seats and representation from higher decision making bodies. I urge my colleagues not to lose that vision.
BM: Have you had an evaluation of the problems people are facing and solutions needed?
NM: Yes. Industry has collapsed and there is great unemployment. Bata used to employ 9,000 people but it has scaled down to below 1,000. Zim Alloys, Zim Glass and others have the same story.
My focus will not necessarily be to pull them up – because that will be an obligation for cabinet, but to open up income projects for the affected.
The people have ideas and plans but they do not have the resources. For example, if the $50,000 Constituency Development Fund could be channelled towards projects which would multiply it by 10 in two years that would be great.
After that the people would start building what they want, schools, hospitals, roads and the like.
BM: Unseating an MP is difficult and it is even more so when they are from your party. The MDC-T has said all sitting MPs will only be contested in primary elections if they fail to be endorsed by at least two thirds of party structures in their constituencies. How will you topple MP Rodrick Rutsvara?
NM: It is the people who have said they want me to represent them. So, I will leave everything to the people’s choice. If they change their minds and back him, I will congratulate and support the guy.
It’s not a matter of life and death. I respect democracy. After all I am still young and there is space to keep trying if I lose this time around to a fellow party member.
BM: If you sail through primary elections, how are your chances of finally winning against other parties, the likes of Zanu (PF); MDC-N; ZAPU and the newly formed UMDP?
NM: Since the formation of the MDC-T in 1999, the party has not lost the seat.
The people support the party and given that they have put confidence and trust in me, I will definitely win the seat for my party.
Background
Age: 28 years
Chaplin Secondary – O level
Guinea Fowl – A level
Portsmouth Uni, UK – Accounting /Business Degree.
About to finish Master’s Degree in Business Administration focusing on Strategic Management and Corporate Governance.
Post published in: News