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Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
BORN 43 years ago, one of Bulawayo’s respected politicians and leaders in advocating for youth development, Zanu-PF Mpopoma-Pelandaba legislator Cde Joseph Tshuma is seeking another five years in Parliament, as he endeavours to further develop his constituency under the new dispensation.
Warmly known as Bra Joe in his constituency, he seeks to introduce various vocational projects in the constituency to alleviate poverty, as well as reduce delinquent behaviour. A husband and father to three children, Cde Tshuma is a God-fearing individual, who intends to accomplish his plan while upholding Christian values.
Education
Cde Tshuma did part of his primary education in Hwange before completing it at Induba Primary School in Pelandaba.
After completion of his primary education he attended Marist Brothers in Dete, where he did his O-levels. Cde Tshuma later went to Mzingwane High School, where he did his A-levels. Soon after his A-levels he joined Delta Group under OK where he did a course in business management. Thereafter he studied for a diploma in marketing with Zedco. He also did an in-house training course with Innscor. He also attained a BComm Honours Degree in Marketing with the National University of Science and Technology.
Work and business
After a stint with Innscor he established his own company while living in Harare. His company mainly focused on computer technology and specialisation. He then moved back to Bulawayo where he established a milling company. He also has mining and farming ventures. Cde Tshuma also runs a housing construction company in partnership with another businessman.
In his words he said the idea behind the housing and construction company was to aide people acquire houses and also part of his duties as a Zimbabwean and legislator to contribute towards the development of the country.
Political background:
Cde Tshuma ventured into the politics while he was working in Bindura under OK Zimbabwe. He became an active member of Zanu-PF in 1995, where he said he was under a resource mobilisation team. He then moved back to Bulawayo and joined the structures, where he started as a simple cell member in Pelandaba.
He then rose through the ranks to become Secretary for Information and Publicity for the youth wing in Pelandaba. The following year he was elected vice-chairman for the Pelandaba district’s youth wing, before being elevated to the post of chairman. In the years that followed Cde Tshuma was elected, unopposed to the same post. He said he was then made deputy secretary for transport and welfare at provincial level. In 2013, he was elected committee member in the province, before being elected to the Central Committee. “The rest was history.”
Humanitarian work
Cde Tshuma, as a staunch Christian and God-fearing individual says his mission is to work towards improving the lives of not only the people of his constituency but the country as a whole. “The road to my post wasn’t easy as people perceive it, I had to work hard to be where I am.”
Cde Tshuma is a man of the people and is always willing to engage people at any level.
“I have always been around people and the perception that people have that politicians are selfish is wrong. Instead I am a selfless person. I have been that kind of person since I was young. I have been around and have lived with various people, as I lived in mission houses, as my late father was a reverend. I don’t judge people, as I was taught that people were created in God’s image and are all equal.”
Cde Tshuma says as a member of Zanu-PF, he seeks to retain the seat, and has urged Zimbabweans to vote for President Mnangagwa.
“I will never abandon the constituency. I was born in this city and grew up in this neighbourhood. I want to see that people’s needs are catered for, and that the constituency is also developed. Seeing people prosper in life is my dream and I have been working effortlessly with the youths to take them out of the streets. There are many activities we have introduced to keep them out of trouble, activities which include sports, recreation and vocational training to give them practical skills to make ends meet. People come first, I assist where I can.
“My door is always open and the people of my constituency are aware of that. I have also initiated projects and funded them to assist women and the less privileged in the constituency so that they start income generating projects. I am also working tirelessly to make sure that people get decent houses and good service delivery from the council, and I am also working on a home ownership scheme for people in areas like Mabuthweni.”
— @peterkmatika
Online Reporter