Peace and poverty: Thebe’s key concerns

(MN): Why do you think the time is ripe for you to stand for Parliament now?

(MT): I have come a long way and I am now mature both individually and politically. I have been active in politics since the formation of the MDC and have had many calls before from my constituency to represent them various ways.

(MN): What challenges do you foresee in your bid to land the seat and how will you overcome them?

(MT): There are a number of challenges that we face as both a party and constituency. The political playing field is still rocky, despite us having adopted a new constitution. Zanu (PF) is still resorting to violence to remain in power.

I plan to overcome this challenge by constantly engaging the community in the dialogue and peace building initiatives I introduced last year, through my humanitarian organisation Peace Makers – aimed at promoting peace and tolerance among the youth, through sports and dialogue. So far, we have held several street soccer tournaments and dialogues. Communities should live in peace long after political parties and elections come and go.

My main aim will be the alleviation of poverty through the empowerment of youth and women and to improve service delivery with emphasis on health care and educational services, including adult literacy. I would also like to initiate income-generating projects and facilitate and support small and medium enterprises as well as create an investor friendly environment. Nationally, I would like to instil and promote a culture of peace and tolerance.

(MN): What is the biggest problem in the constituency?

(MT): Unemployment and poverty. Economically, Zimbabwe has gone to the dogs, thanks to the failed leadership of President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu (PF). In the last couple of years, the MDC-T has brought some positive changes, despite the fact that we have been working under the yoke of a monster called the GNU. Imagine what an all-MDC government would be able to do.

To achieve all-round development, one has to work with all key stakeholders and these include the churches, the community, councillors, business people and the central government.

I have been mobilizing resources for Zimbabweans back home from South Africa as both an individual and as MDC-T Youth Treasurer for the South African Assembly.

(MN): How do you think the general performance of your party will affect you?

(MT): More than ever before, the party is ready to run the country. I feel privileged to be working with such a competent team. I have always worked with the party and leadership closely – we are a team. It is not about individuals.

(MN): What would you advise the Diaspora to do for themselves and the country?

(MT): Those in the diaspora have a strong responsibility to ensure that they go home to register and vote. They also have to encourage relatives and friends back home to do the same.

The government should engage with the Diaspora to see how best it can accommodate and help in their repatriation and integration back home. There is also need for non-political, friendly and accommodative Embassies, where Zimbabweans abroad can get proper services – a situation that does not exist currently, especially in South Africa.

Biography

Born in Umguza, rural Matabeleland North, but grew up in Bulawayo’s

Entumbane suburb. The failure of the former ruling party, Zanu (PF), forced him to become involved in the formation of the MDC in 1999.

Studied peace building and worked for 10 years with organizations like the Southern African Women’s Institute for Migration Affairs. Formed the Southern African Men Against Women Abuse, Peace and

Democracy Project and others that helped Zimbabwean migrants and refugees that had fled the country due to economic rot.