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DEBATE on the quality of candidates for the harmonised elections rages on with chiefs from Matabeleland region urging the electorate to shun illiterate leaders. The country is expected to hold elections by the end of next month and political parties are busy selecting candidates for the polls.
In separate interviews recently, the chiefs said meaningful development of the region hinged on the calibre of leaders that people elect into office.
Chief Masuku from Matobo said leaders should attain a certain level of education that will allow them to understand issues affecting people they lead.
“Education is very important for anyone who wants to occupy a leadership position. A leader should be able to appreciate issues and be in a position to engage with other leaders in an effort to deliver development to his people,” said Chief Masuku.
Chief Siansali of Binga concurred, saying the electorate should turn down illiterate candidates.
“We do not want uneducated leaders. People should not be represented by illiterate candidates. Such leaders would spend a lot of time in offices doing nothing. The House of Assembly is a place where robust debate takes place and an illiterate leader cannot compete at such platforms,” said Chief Siansali.
Chief Nyangazonke from Kezi weighed in saying the electorate should vote for leaders who would bring development to their communities. He said education was one of the key attributes of a good leader.
“A leader is a representative of the people who should know what he is supposed to do when he gets into office. We do not want people who get into power to line their pockets. It is very difficult to make decisions as a leader if you do not have knowledge,” said Chief Nyangazonke. “Education is very important for networking.
Surely in this day and age we cannot have a parliamentarian who cannot go on Whats Up. Today’s society needs leaders who can do research and share notes with other progressive leaders.
“For instance we have a crisis in our councils. Many of them just want to occupy front seats when they are doing nothing. People are tired of such leaders. MPs and councillors are supposed to work hard to improve lives of people who voted them into power.”
Chief Nyangazonke urged the electorate to consider the qualities of leaders before casting their vote.
He said the voting process was a time to evaluate leaders and elect those who are committed to deliver.
“Here in Matabeleland South we do not want to be a chicken region. We expect our leaders to help revamp irrigation projects and assist farmers with ranching. These are key economic activities that our leaders should prioritise,” said Chief Nyangazonke.
The chiefs said some leaders become arrogant after being elected into office.
They also said even the educated leaders should have the people at heart and consult them regularly on issues that affect their welfare.
Online Reporter