(MC): What motivated you to get involved in politics?
(KM): I was born into a Zanu (PF) family and this laid a firm foundation for me to observe our political beliefs. The struggles that we faced at the height of the liberation struggle and the treatment we, as young boys, got from the auxiliary forces (madzakutsaku) every morning as we went to school, left an indelible mark in me. The unfair treatment that my parents got from their former employer also affected me. Despite my father’s lengthy service, he left the farm with nothing other than an attempt on his life by the farmer. The principled leadership of President Robert Mugabe also inspired me.
(MC): What’s your view on the issue of Old Guards vs Young Turks within your party.
(KM): Zanu (PF) as a democratic party does not stop people from forming or holding different opinions. The party is founded on and guided by strong values and principles. It is therefore clear that the party values both the so-called old guards as well as the Young Turks. Members need to show commitment, loyalty and support the policies of the party.
(MC): The party seems quiet about the criteria it will use for candidates to qualify to participate in its primary elections. Can you shed more light on this issue?
(KM): I am very optimistic that I will make it as I am fervent, consistent and active. However, it is not true that there hasn’t been discussion about criteria for candidates. It’s only that the criteria have not yet been made public. This process has been going on and I have no doubt that the leadership will not deviate from what was pronounced during the last two conferences. The party is very clear that there will be no imposition of candidates in any constituency.
(MC): Media reports always talk of violence said to be perpetrated by your party. Can we have your thoughts on this?
(KM): It is unfortunate that every time there are talks of an election in Zimbabwe the media goes wild about supposed pre-election violence, and even predicts election and post-election violence. While there may be some sporadic incidences of misunderstanding among people with different persuasions, Zimbabwe remains largely one of the most peace-loving countries in the world. Certainly, I am not an advocate of violence, and would not want to be elected on the back of political violence.
(MC): Will your party win the next election?
(KM): We stand a great chance of winning this election, thanks to the lack of clear strategy on the part of the MDCs and the rest. The honeymoon within the creation of the inclusive government has just exposed them for who they really are.
(MC): What if PM Morgan Tsvangirai pulls a shocker and wins the election, bearing in mind the fact that he has come close to winning twice?
(KM): Tsvangirai has had his time and has failed to show his relevance in politics. He is good as a trade union leader not as political leader in government.
(MC): Your constituency mines nickel, gold, copper and cobalt and operates a smelter refinery. Are you happy with the distribution of these natural resources?
(KM): The distribution of the resources is skewed. Multinational corporations still own and run them. While the indigenisation and empowerment act has enhanced local community participation through the share ownership trust as well as the 51/49% provision, this still remains largely on paper and more needs to be done. True there has been some movement, which is commendable, but there is need for more participation by the marginalised and impoverished rural community. These resources should be seen to be ploughed back to the community through infrastructure development, employment creation, and improvement in standard of living.
(MC): Suppose you are elected Bindura South MP, what is your vision for the constituency?
(KM): My first task will be to embark on familiarisation and review of my constituency’s needs and expectations in the light of the election manifesto. Creating job opportunities for youths, improving and enhancing the road network, particularly tarring of the Chabwin -Muchapondwa stretch, reactivating the rural electrification programme to include the stretch between Mupandira business centre and Jonasi village remain my priority. There is need to encourage active participation by professionals and technocrats from the constituency in development projects, which include health and education, setting up business and supporting women and youth empowerment.
(MC): What community initiatives have you been doing so far and are you happy with the outcome?
(KM): I am currently involved in an initiative that has taken the whole of Bindura District by storm namely Musana-Masembura Development Association (MMDA). Its main objective is to initiate and facilitate the involvement of residents of Musana and Masembura communal areas in identifying, and implementing, monitoring and evaluating developmental projects. The association’s main drive is to ensure that there is active participation of communities in developing their areas as well as taking control of their natural resources.
Post published in: News