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AT first glance, one would assume that Mpopoma-Pelandaba Member of Parliament Joseph Tshuma warmly known as Bra Joe is just another callous and opportunistic politician out to fatten his pockets. But in actual fact he is a humble man, who sacrificed his comfortable lifestyle to improve the lives of the people of his constituency.
Sunday Leisure senior reporter Peter Matika (PM) recently caught up with the MP to discuss his lifestyle as a businessman and politician.
PM: It’s a pleasure to have the chance to sit down and chat with you Cde Tshuma. Could you first briefly tell us who you are as a person?
Cde Tshuma: Joe Tshuma is the son of a reverend, born in a family of eight. I am 39 years of age; I did part of my primary education in Hwange before completing it at Induba Primary in Pelandaba. After I completed my primary I went to Marist Brothers in Dete, where I did my O-levels. For my A-levels I went to Mzingwane High School. Soon after that I joined Delta Group under OK where I did a course in management. Thereafter I studied for a diploma in marketing with Zedco. I also did an in-house training course with Innscor. Presently I am studying for a BComm Honours Degree in Marketing with the National University of Science and Technology.
PM: That’s an impressive educational background but please enlighten us about your business endevour and background.
Cde Tshuma: After my stint with Innscor I started my own company, while I was living in Harare. It was a computer specialisation company. After I moved back to Bulawayo from Harare I established a milling company, which is still running even today. I also ventured into mining, where I run a company called Success Mining in the Ntabazinduna area. I am also into housing construction with another businessman under the Home Seekers Incorporative. This was to help people acquire houses and also part of our contribution to Zim Asset.
PM: How then did you venture into politics?
Cde Tshuma: Politically I started when I was in Bindura under OK Zimbabwe. I became an active member of the party in 1995, as I would assist in sourcing resources. When I moved back to Bulawayo I joined the structures, where I started as a simple cell member in Pelandaba. I then rose through the ranks to become Secretary for Information and Publicity for the youth wing in Pelandaba.
The following year I was elected vice-chairman for the Pelandaba district’s youth wing. I was then elevated to the post of chairman. The following year I was elected unopposed to the same post. I was then made deputy secretary for transport and welfare at provincial level. In 2013 I was elected as a committee member in the province and I also didn’t finish my term as I was again elected to the Central Committee and the rest is history.
PM: You have had an eventful rise in politics. Now that you are at the top is there any change?
Cde Tshuma: Nothing has changed apart from the fact that I am working at improving the lives of not only the people of my 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.
PM: Who is Joe Tshuma outside politics?
Cde Tshuma: Let’s just say I am a God-fearing, humble and fun-loving man like everyone else. I am a man of the people. 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 father was and still is a reverend. I don’t judge people, as I was taught that people were created in God’s image and are all equal.
PM: That’s very much noble of you. I understand you have made many sacrifices for your people.
Cde Tshuma: Yes I have, I will never abandon the constituency. In fact, to show that I am part of this place, I have been living here for a long time, despite owning properties in other suburbs. 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.
PM: Not many people would make such sacrifices. You really must love the community.
Cde Tshuma: Yes I do, seeing people prosper in life is my dream and I have been working effortlessly with the youth 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.
PM: You are quite popular and seeing how people are not afraid at waving or stopping you as you drive by or past is inspiring.
Cde Tshuma: People come first, I assist where I can. My door is always open and the people of my constituency are aware of that.
PM: Thank you for your time.
Online Reporter