BM: What inspired you to join the MDC-T?
BN: It was the need for real change and completion of the liberation struggle. I strongly believe that in 1980 we moved from minority white rule into minority black rule so there is need for complete change to majority rule. When I joined the politics I thought that the MDC was the only party which could fulfil that key issue.
BM: How can your age and profession in the communication industry benefit the people of Mkoba if they choose you to be their MP?
BN: I am dedicated to maintaining high quality standards of telecoms in Mkoba. Even when I go to Parliament, the country will benefit from my experience as the future is digital. Nelson Chamisa (Minister of ICT) has moved several steps towards that direction. I will be able to help mould a better Zimbabwe in this speedily changing digital world.
BM: MDC-T has said sitting MPs can only be challenged on primary elections if they fail to have two thirds majority support in their constituencies, so what are your chances of success?
BN: That will be determined by the people of Mkoba. I will accept any decision they make as they are the custodians of the constituency.
BM: Your main contenders in the next elections are likely to be from the MDC (Ncube) and Zanu (PF), can you explain why you are confident candidates from these two parties will not win?
BN: Zanu (PF) has been in power since 1980, and its policies and style of economic management have led to the crisis we are experiencing today, so I don’t think the people will be willing to give them another mandate to rule. I also think we have learned from some of the countries around us that real change pays. If we take Mozambique for example, we used to have them here as farm workers and herd boys – but after change they have all gone back home to rebuild their country.
BM: The last elections were marred with violence and intimidation in Mkoba. Polling stations were burnt and Chibaya was physically harassed and had to flee his house. Do you foresee this happening again?
BN: With the support of the entire constituency we will succeed as we did before .Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans of welfare not for evil, to give you future and hope.” We must ensure peaceful elections because peace is God’s idea and forms the basis of national development. Destructive elections destroy lives and properties, violent elections also affect generations to come and lead to an uncertain future.
BM: What will it take for elections to be labelled free and fair?
BN: Above all we need an independent, non-partisan electoral organization to administer the process. The issue of the staffing of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission should be looked into because I donot believe they can do a good job when majority of people in that body are Central Intelligence Organisation operatives sympathetic to one party. Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly to hold political gatherings and to campaign should also be upheld. People should freely register as voters without being asked to produce proof of residence which can be used in post-election victimisation. Equitable and balanced reporting by the media is also important.
BM: In Mkoba most of the councillors including Mayor Teddious Chimombe have either been suspended or expelled from the MDC-T for corruption. Will that not disadvantage you?
BN: The electorate is intelligent and will never be manipulated on cheap things. But I personally have been affected by the loss of those people. During the struggle some of them played important roles which are hard to forget. If one player is shown a red card during the match for whatever reason there will defiantly be a setback for the whole team. What is important is for the remaining players not to lose focus. I personally respect their contribution towards the struggle some of them played important roles which are difficult to forget.
BM: How will you therefore try to restore sanity at Town House in the event that the majority of councillors elected at the next polls happen to be MDC-T members?
BN: My sole responsibility will be to serve and work with the people of Mkoba. What happens at Town House will be the responsibility of the Mayor and the responsible minister. However I will be working together with all councillors from Mkoba to make sure that people get good quality service. I urge people of Mkoba to vote for the MDC-T candidate in the coming election so that together we can complete the unfinished business and strive for the democratic structural economic liberation empowerment and transformation of Zimbabwe. I also encourage them to remain peaceful during and after the elections. Election to public office is not a do-or-die affair, nor is it winning power at any cost, it is not about character assassination or inciting one group against the other, it is the battle of ideas and policies for bettering the lives of the citizens.
Biography
Born in 1971 in Matanga Village, Chirumanzu in a family of six children.
Started primary education at Bembe School in Lower Gweru in 1977 but did not finish grade 1 after schools in the area where forced to close due to the liberation war. Moved to Chirumanzu in 1980 and did grade 1 to 7 at various schools. Secondary school at Holy Cross s in Chirumanzu and then trained as a telecommunications technician. Holder of Diploma in Telecommunication and Advanced Diploma in Information Communication Technology.
Joined the MDC-T in 2000 as a youth. Treasurer for branch B in ward 16 in 2010 then became Mkoba District Committee member two years later. Currently the secretary for information, communication and technology in Midlands South province.
Post published in: News