MC: What motivated you to join the MDC soon after its formation?
SM: Continued suppression, marginalisation and gender discrimination of our people propelled me to be part of the people seeking to have a balanced state.
MC: Why did you leave South Africa and return home to focus on politics full time?
SM: After spending a decade in the Diaspora, I believe that I have to be part of the change we need in Zimbabwe.
MC: There are reports of violence sweeping across the country; are you not afraid to be a victim?
SM: Not at all. With the new constitution in place we hope to see a non-partisan police force which will deal with violence perpetrators. We believe those that are known for violence will heed President Robert Mugabe’s call for peace to prevail. We also hope police will arrest people as directed by his recent public speeches.
MC: Are you confident that you will sail through primary elections to represent your party?
SM: I have what it takes to represent Ward 5 under uMzingwane constituency. I have always been in contact with my people while I was residing in SA. Surprisingly no one is opposing my candidature meaning I am confirmed to stand as a Councillor for my party in the area. I have worked tirelessly to see the project ‘Tree of Life’, formed in 2003, to address the challenges faced by the fleeing survivors of political torture and violence. I later worked for the Crisis in Zimbabwe coalition’s office in Marshal town where we engaged refugees on a daily bases. Here at home I have been reaching out to women to understand gender balance issues as we still have a long way to go for women to have equal opportunities with men.
MC: What are your goals if you are given an opportunity to represent your party?
SM: Service delivery is my key agenda. We still have a lot to develop and everything begins with local government, so I am at the right place at the right time. I want to pioneer a peaceful society countrywide. We need to have a united country driven by the same goals.
I will not rest until democracy is achieved. My area is rich in gold. It’s sad that illegal gold panners are taking advantage of it and with government not funding proper projects to help local people utilise its resources we then, in turn, lose a lot of it to some criminal elements who take advantage of our desperate people.
Matabeleland South is our stronghold and no one can dare us in this area. We are going to pocket everything on offer in this region and if people don’t use tribal lines we are destined to seal the victory at national level as well.
What matters most is our peace as a society. We might belong to different parties, but we are all Zimbabweans. We have to have that spirit of oneness always.
MC: Are you not worried about the prospect of Mugabe’s regime rigging the poll?
SM: Deep down, the President knows very well that he can’t defeat the people’s need for democracy. Rigging this time might be difficult, except if they manipulate the voters roll. We are seeing that they are trying by all means to do that, but it’s already game over for them.
MC: Are you satisfied with the just adopted new constitution and why?
SM: I am convinced that it can lead to a better state. We are just waiting to see if those who abused the previous constitution will this time respect a people-driven constitution.
Biography
Born in October 1981, attended Mlomoliwoto Primary and Mzinyathini High school. Started political activism in May 2000 with the MDC. Was elected ward five Youth Secretary for mobilisation in March 2002. Left for South Africa in October 2002, where she continued activism pioneering various party projects.
Post published in: News