FB: What motivated you to get into politics?
MK: Labour Union is the school of politics. I was there when MDC was formed in 1999 and was elected the first Provincial Chairperson of Matabeleland North Province in 2000. I am generally concerned with people’s needs and problems. I joined the labour movement when I was working at ZESA in 1989.
I had witnessed a lot of unfair labour practices and injustices perpetrated against innocent workers. I left a powerful legacy in ZESA. I led the ZEEWU Negotiation team on collective bargaining and we achieved quite a lot during our term.
When MDC was formed it came to me as a heavenly calling to the national duty to represent people at national level. I long to see our beloved country back to its critical path of economic, social and political development, which will go a long way in enriching the marginalised people of our nation.
FB: Briefly describe your relationship with the electorate in your constituency?
MK: It is that of a foetus and an umbilical cord. With my passion to work with the community, especially the marginalised, I am inspired by the commitment and support they render in all the sustainable developmental projects we embark on.
FB: Sanyati was once a blooming area with cotton farming, mining, good roads and a vibrant Baptist Mission Hospital.
These are now things of the past. What are you promising your electorate in particular and people of Zimbabwe in general if they vote for you?
MK: Development has to cascade and be felt by the people in remote communities. Roads, education, health and industrial infrastructure are the key to economic development of Sanyati and Zimbabwe in general.
Cotton farming has become a national challenge that requires a national solution. Cotton prices must make business sense. I am a firm believer of participatory development so together with the people we shall toil and sweat and never give up until we fulfil our priorities.
FB: Your electorate want to know your character. How would you describe yourself?
MK: I am a humble, respectful, loyal, unifying, loving and disciplined leader. I strongly believe in and practice the prescribed core values.
FB: How many terms do you want to serve as MP?
MK: If you are given the mandate by the people you have to carry it out with diligence and commitment. Personally, I believe that with two terms I would have accomplished my developmental agenda and set the tone for the future.
FB: Do you think you will be able to snatch the Sanyati constituency from Zanu (PF)?
MK: Victory is certain. You have been highlighting the issues of poor roads, a crumbling cotton industry, poor health institutions – all those issues have been caused by Zanu (PF)’s negligent leadership. I am not here to lament the problems faced by Sanyati caused by Zanu (PF). I am representing the MDC and I have an agenda for the people of Sanyati. If given a chance to fulfil that – life for them will never be the same again. Poor governance of the state and corruption are some of the factors that plunged Zimbabwe into the myriad of challenges it faced in the past decade. If the country is restored back to good governance. We need transparency and accountability in all areas of government to get us back on our feet.
FB: Violence characterised your constituency during the 2008 election. What can you do about it this time around?
MK: Yes, there was significant violence here during the last elections. I have been educating the community to report all cases of violence to the police. On two occasions the perpetrators of violence have been arrested by the police. The GPA principals have been calling for peace and I urge all Zimbabweans to ensure that this call is heeded. Political parties, JOMIC and the police should work closely to ensure that peace prevails.
FB: Have you publicly declared your assets?
MK: Yes I declared my assets.
FB: What is your advice to fellow politicians in the GNU and party as far as corruption is concerned and how do you intend to fight it if you come into power once again?
MK: Corruption robs us all and my colleagues should know that honest honours but corruption dishonours. I will advocate for the full empowerment of the anti-corruption institutions so that they work at maximum throttle in restoring sanity to our systems.
Post published in: News