Restoration of human dignity

MC: What motivated you to join MDC and why are you eyeing Mpopoma-constituency?

GD: I have grown up within political, civil society structures and I’m very passionate about leadership. The continued suffering of people at grassroots led me into volunteering to be the community’s servant – working for a better life for them. I grew up in Mpopoma and I have first-hand information on the dynamics and living conditions of our people.

MC: What made you reach a decision to leave SA for Zim, while the majority of young people at home always talk of migrating?

GD: We have thousands of Zimbabweans outside the country as a result of political violence. This has led to a great leadership vacuum and the exiled have a role to play in rebuilding the devastated economy and restoring human dignity.

MC: There are constant media reports of violence and unwarranted arrests at home; are you not afraid to be a victim?

GD: I’ve been a victim before; I have been arrested, tortured and detained without trial on several occasions. I don’t advocate violence but if it’s the way to Freedom we shall go through it, in simple terms there are those with a culture of violence to archive their political ambitions, but I do not fear them. I have organised memorial services for the fallen heroes, distributed foot wear and clothing to the elderly and orphans and revived youth participation in pro democracy and leadership initiatives.

MC: What are your goals if you are given an opportunity to represent your party and country?

GD: Restoration of human dignity is my top priority. I am looking at practising a fair distribution of the country’s wealth in all sectors and also want a complete overhaul of the current education system and the introduction of compulsory free primary and secondary education.

We also have to consider construction of households, toilets and moving away from the colonial cluster toilets. We need to provide housing and service centres for orphans and elderly people.

MC: There are reports that MDC-N has gained support in Bulawayo and they are always quoted saying they will wrestle all seats from your party, are you not worried about these reports and why?

GD: People mustn’t worry over people who constantly hallucinate. Currently, the majority of them want to cross the floor to join the biggest home grown political party led by PM Morgan Tsvangirai. Maybe they calculate this by looking at the number of general green t-shirts visible on streets. I also have one green t-shirt, many people have green t-shirts and that is not an identity of belonging to a political party. In actual fact they are not going anywhere, this could be the end of that political grouping.

MC: Are you not worried about the prospect of Mugabe’s regime rigging the poll?

GD: All the elections since 1980 have been rigged by the Mugabe regime, but this is the turning point. Rigging this time carries a greater risk than ever before.

MC: What do you think is the missing link in Zim politics?

GD: We lack the unity spirit that could see us working and living together despite political affiliations. People working together produce tremendous achievements and sustainable goals that can lead to a great nation.

Biography

Born 31-years ago in Bulawayo’s Pelandaba clinic. Started political career at a tender age as an activist after realizing that human rights are constantly violated. Rose through the ranks of National Constitutional Assembly where I served as the Bulawayo youth representative. Activism shaped him into politics and leadership. During the formation of the MDC in 1999, was involved in structure building exercises particularly under ward 12, formerly Pelandaba Constituency.

Elected youth branch chairperson, then ward 12 acting youth secretary, ward 12 youth chairperson, secretary for information and then youth chairperson for the main wing Johannesburg District. In 2011 elected the MDC South Africa External Youth Assembly Provincial chairperson.