MC: What inspired you to be a politician?
AS: In 1997, I attended a public meeting at Africa House addressed by former Zambian President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and Dr Simba Makoni. The conference was seeking solutions to deteriorating and collapsing Zimbabwe and Zambian economies. That was when my zeal for politics began.
‘The Story of My Life’ by the late Joshua Nkomo also motivated me. The book reveals mismanagement and corruption in the Zanu (PF)-led government. This inspired me join politics and after the formation of MDC in 1999, we founded the Inner City Branch in Johannesburg and attended MDC RSA meetings at Johannesburg hotel. In 2000 I returned home and began mobilising support for the party.
MC: Are you contesting in the upcoming elections?
AS: As a young and maturing politician, I still have more to deliver to my constituency, province and nation.
MC: What motivates you to contest?
AS: A lot needs to be done to improve the lives of rural folks. We need to change and make new laws, especially mining laws. Rural communities do not benefit from their local natural resources.
The distribution of the country’s wealth and incentives need to be equitable, un-biased and impartial. I personally intend to effect changes in the living standards of people residing in Silobela. I’ve a great dream for Zimbabwe and I’m still dreaming.
MC: How do you think your party will perform in the upcoming elections?
AS: MDC- T has already won the elections because no one supports Zanu (PF). We are the only party with young, energetic, focused and competent leaders who have a better vision for this country. Our policies are clear, all-encompassing, non-partisan and inclusive.
MC: What initiatives are you working on?
AS: I am working on a clean water and sanitation project to be completed before 2015, under the MDG’s goals. We have dug boreholes using Community Development Fund money and induced the Ministry of Water Resources and Development to dig more boreholes. I am also lobbying the Ministry of Transport to tar and maintain roads.
I am always persuading the Ministry of Health to avail more medical staff and I am expecting the Minister of Education, Senator David Coltart, to visit old schools and assist rural schools.
MC: What challenges have you encountered since you came to office?
AS: The 15km dust road from Silobela to the Kwekwe Road is a nightmare during the rainy season. There are many small dams and gullies along the road. Despite numerous calls for the Ministry to intervene and improve this vital national road that links Harare and Victoria Falls, nothing has sufficed. It is a big challenge to work closely with the traditional leaders as most of them are scared to be seen with me. The chiefs are still partisan, although they try to hide it. At Financial constraints have hindered progress. For example, $50 000 for Silobela was not much to develop the constituency.
MC: What is your aim politically?
AS: As a young politician, I would like to be a Minister, an Ambassador or simply a great leader to serve my beloved motherland.
MC: Are you optimistic that the community will elect you?
AS: Yes! Most people appreciated my parliamentary contributions, especially questions I asked and my persistence with regard to the tarring of our roads, the food scarcity, water challenges and drilling nine boreholes.
MC: Your constituency is rich in gold, do you think your community is benefitting?
AS: No. Only a few traditional leaders and some lucky gold diggers are benefitting. It is very sad. Silobela is blessed with rich gold deposits but the community is one of the poorest in the nation. At least 10-15% of this must be ploughed back into the community.
MC: Your constituency was affected by Gukurahundi. What should be done for affected residents?
AS: It’s still traumatic for many. Families lost breadwinners, loved ones, relatives, property and nothing was done to appease or compensate them.
To me, a form of compensation from the government might soothe them as it gives an opportunity for reconciliation and absolute healing.
Post published in: News