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Sunday News Reporter
THE longest serving traditional leader in Matabeleland, Chief Vezi Maduna Mafu, has called on people in the region to rally behind the new Government led by President Mnangagwa, saying it has a lot to offer them.
In an interview at his home area in Filabusi on Thursday last week, Chief Maduna, who became a chief in 1969 said President Mnangagwa had been clear in his quest to revive the country’s economy hence the need to give him all the necessary support.
Chief Maduna, who was detained in 10 Rhodesian prisons including the then notorious Khami and Wha Wha prisons during the fight for the country’s independence against the rebel Ian Smith regime said the country was in capable hands because President Mnangagwa was a freedom fighter who appreciated the needs of the people regardless of their geographical location.
“UMnangagwa is a veteran of the liberation struggle who is blessed with an intelligent mind and signs are already there that he is on the right path to revive the country’s economy. He is also an experienced administrator who has been in Government for some time and he knows what the people want. So far he has spoken more about the economy and less about politics. That has impressed me because it shows that he appreciates that people want to see a Zimbabwe with a working economy.”
Chief Maduna said President Mnangagwa had also picked a good team to work with.
“I have also been impressed by Retired General Chiwenga, the way that young man led Operation Restore Legacy showed that he is very intelligent and brave. I have had the privilege to meet VP Chiwenga face to face and I was very impressed. Ulesibindi sikaTshaka umfana lowana. I had a meeting with him in Harare. As for the other Vice-President, our man from here in Matabeleland South, Kembo Mohadi we know him very well as a development oriented person who also fought in the armed struggle and is a veteran nationalist. All these people love their country and I can sense that they want to see a prosperous Zimbabwe. So I urge the people of Matabeleland to throw their weight towards the new Government. It is our Government and we should do everything to support it.”
Chief Maduna, now regarded as the paramount chief in Matabeleland said even when picking his Cabinet, it seems President Mnangagwa deployed people according to their strengths.
“I can’t talk about all the Cabinet Ministers, but I was very happy that President Mnangagwa gave our own Matabeleland South son, Simon Khaya Moyo a key Ministry that of Energy and Power Development. Khaya is a capable man and us the people of Matabeleland South especially the traditional leaders we love him a lot. He respects people and we thank President Mnangagwa for giving him that crucial portfolio. It was not only the recognition of Khaya but also us as the people of Matabeleland South.”
Turning to Government programmes in Matabeleland, Chief Maduna called on the Government to put more resources in the region especially under the Command Livestock programme.
“Matabeleland is a livestock area, so the Government should do more for our region under the Command Livestock Programme. However, our local politicians should be more proactive to make sure that is done. Their duties are to coordinate development,” said the 79-year-old chief.
“However, what is disappointing are some of the current crop of these politicians. Gone are the days when we had firebrands such as the late Sydney Malunga and Welshman Mabhena. They were there for the people.”
Online Reporter