Zimbabwean Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara says devolution will benefit the whole of Zimbabwe contrary to some who think that it is a Matabeleland self government agenda. Speaking in London, July 24th at a public event organised by Zimbabwe Diaspora Focus Group (ZDFG) Mutambara said that devolution is an international standard that will bring about an equitable distribution of resources to all Zimbabweans who have been deliberately sidelined and disadvantaged since independence.
In his wide ranging address Mutambara gave the USA, the United Kingdom, and South Africa as examples of devolved administrations and successful countries and economies. He told the meeting how devolution would empower and develop local communities “If there are diamonds in Marange, processing plants and mills must be built in Marange and the jobs must go to the local people. If there is coal in Hwange, the locals must benefit from jobs and industries in their region” said the deputy prime minister.
Asked on what he makes of the development in Matabeleland compared to other regions of Zimbabwe, Mutambara said that it is clear that the Matabeleland region is underdeveloped. He attributed among other reasons the government organized conflict during 1982 to 1987 codenamed operation gukurahundi (Wash out the trash) where tens of thousands of innocent Zimbabweans were massacred by Mugabe’s 5th brigade. “There is no way you can develop an area when there is a war in that region” he said. “We all know why there is a highway in Zvimba and not in Nkayi” he said to laughter from the audience.
Mutambara challenged Zimbabweans of the current generation to deliver for their country irrespective of their political differences. The deputy prime questioned the judgement behind those who criticise him and “brother” Morgan Tsvangirai for working with Mugabe. “I can tell you that Morgan Tsvangirai and Mugabe drink tea together every Monday” said Mutambara. “ZAPU and ZANU fought side by side to remove Ian Smith. The generation of Dabengwa and Tongogara delivered 1980, what will your generation deliver” he asked.
The opposition ZAPU and other civic organisations are calling for devolution to be enshrined in the new constitution expected from the currently ongoing consultation process. ZAPU has made it clear that any new constitution without devolution and proportional representation will be unacceptable and will be opposed.
Zenzo Ncube is Secretary For Marketing & Communication for ZAPU in Europe EMAIL information@zapueurope.org
|