When did you join politics?
My interest in politics started when I left the country as a freedom fighter in 1978. When I came back, I continued with my political career and held several positions in the Youth Wing as well as at District level.
How has your political journey been?
The journey has been difficult. It’s like Moses leading the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan. There are people who want to bring you down and that makes the journey a difficult one but with persistence and consistency, I found my way.
Why have you decided to contest for a second term?
The first five years that I was in Parliament taught me what is expected of a Member of Parliament so I think I deserve a second chance to deliver to the people of my constituency. There are a number of projects that I still need to implement in my constituency.
What projects have you implemented since you were voted into office?
I started by roofing dilapidated schools such as Mahororo Secondary School, Chisape Primary School and at Nyarumwe Primary School.
I built a block that has metal roofing sheets. I also managed to source a CD4 count machine for Chidamoyo Hospital and other clinics have been capacitated with generators. I also sourced drugs and bandages for these clinics.
I am into sport development and I currently sponsor a Division Two football team called Zvipani Football Club.
If you were voted back into office, what other projects would you implement?
I am looking at agricultural projects that will help unemployed youths earn a living. I am investigating projects such as piggery and poultry. We have a vocational training center where we intend to intensify training in welding and carpentry to capacitate youths.
What challenges have you faced in bringing development to your constituency since you came into office?
Most people in my constituency rely on agriculture and the major challenge has been finding agricultural inputs for them. We have been trying to source funds from the Ministry of Indeginisation for our youths to start income generating projects. The youths have some good proposals but they don’t have the money to finance them.
How do you view your chances of retaining your seat and why should people in your constituency vote for you?
My chances are high, in spite of efforts to tarnish my image through fake rape charges.
There are detractors out there but they will not stand in my way. There are 16 people eyeing my seat but I believe God is on my side. People should vote for me because I was born and bred in that constituency and I understand their needs more than anyone else.
I was voted into office at a time things were hard and I think people need to give me another chance.
What is your assessment of the political environment ahead of elections?
I think it is peaceful and I think the elections will be peaceful as well. We saw this during the referendum and our youths have agreed that we need peaceful elections because there is life after elections.
What is your assessment of the Government of National Unity?
Not much has been done because we were pulling in different directions and there was a lot of much policy discord.
That actually affected the ordinary people the most.
How important do you think the forthcoming elections are for Zimbabwe?
They are crucial. They will give people the opportunity to choose their own leaders, leaders who have the capacity to deliver. The elections are important because if they are conducted in a credible manner, they will shape the image of the country to the international community and help dispel misconceptions about Zimbabwe.
Do you think the high voter turnout in Zanu (PF) strongholds during the referendum points out to a its victory in the next elections?
No. Some of the people who voted are not registered voters and were just using their IDs. Right now, we are telling them to go and register to vote
Born on April 2 in 1956, Ndambakuwa attended Nyarumwe and Mukakatanwa schools in Hurungwe before moving to Katenhe Secondary School. After that he worked as a farm labourer in Hurungwe and then left to join the liberation struggle. On his return from the war, Ndambakuwa taught at various schools including Deve Primary School, Magunje Primary School and Katenhe Primary School. In 1993, he started commercial farming.
Ndambakuwa has 11 children and currently, he is married to Lydia Musonza with whom he has five children.
Post published in: News