You have been an active member of the MDC- T since its formation in 1999. What motivated you to venture into politics?
I was inspired by the need to improve the livelihoods of youths and women. I watched these two groups bear the brunt of poverty and yet they have so much potential to change their circumstances. Once elected into power, politicians have a tendency to neglect those who voted for them.
I decided to get into politics because I owe it to my children and society to change their circumstances for the better.
Your constituency is synonymous with politically motivated violence. Three Zanu (PF) heavies, sitting MP Ignatius Chombo, his ex- wife Marian Chombo and Edwin Matibiri are all eyeing the seat. How are you going to deal with political violence in your constituency?
It is true that politically motivated violence could reoccur in Zvimba North constituency. As an advocate for peace and development, I am ready to engage everyone in my community against taking part in all forms of violence. However, I know that there are some people bent on beating others ahead of elections.
Not everyone vying for that seat has violent supporters. I am going to engage them and ensure that we preach the gospel of peace together. I am hoping that we are going to fight for the Zvimba North seat through the ballot and not otherwise.
What development do you intend to bring to the people from Zvimba North?
Service delivery and democracy. Despite having a minister who is supposed to stand for rural development, the constituency is not developed. There are poor roads and poor infrastructure at most health facilities. The only available health facilities are clinics in mines with no capacity to cater for the majority of the citizens here. Our main referral health centre, Rafingora Hospital, is not well equipped and people end up going to Banket Hospital for services.
It is my intention to work with the responsible authorities and improve access to health facilities for the people in this constituency.
The majority of the people in my constituency are aliens whose source of livelihood is working on farms and in mines. I intend to champion their cause and represent them so that they are treated with the dignity they deserve.
As a young woman, how do you rate your chances of being elected into office?
I am optimistic. I bring peace and justice to the marginalised and for this I am confident the people in my constituency will elect me. They are tired of politicians who invest in political violence at the expense of developmental projects.
Seventeen MPs from your party have fallen in the party’s primary elections. Why do you think this is?
When politicians step into parliament, they forget the grassroots.
They feel they are in that position because they deserve it. The spirit of servant hood vanishes in their quest to amass wealth for themselves.
Do you think that there is enough time for you to campaign ahead of the July 31 election deadline?
The date is not justified but I know that voters already know the leaders they want.
Of course we may campaign but a party that does not have a manifesto that addresses the challenges of the majority will campaign in vain. My party represents democracy and that on its own is enough.
Post published in: News