MQONDISI Moyo leader of the Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has for years been leading a political party whose existence and modus operandi has been received with mixed feelings in and outside Matabeleland region. While some have dismissed the party as secessionists and tribalists, the party members have remained resolute even in the face of various forms of persecution.
Our reporter seat for a chat with Moyo, where he clarified a number of issues.
Below are the excerpts of the interview.
Q: Since the day MRP was launched as a political party what have you achieved so far?
A: Much, both tangible and intangible. Mthwakazi people now know who they are. The oppressive Zanu PF government through their evil 1979 Grand Plan had almost destroyed our identity, but MRP has revived it through massive education. Our pride as a people, a heroic people has been reignited. We are now confident that we can self-govern ourselves as a people and this is an important starting point.
Q: What challenges have you encountered so far along the journey?
A: Zanu PF, this party is trying all it can to crush us and stop the walk towards self-determination. It is using State machinery, particularly security apparatus to intimidate us. We have been detained and imprisoned unnecessarily. Many a times we have been brutalised, but that won’t put off our independence flames which are already burning.
Other challenges, of course, are financial. We are a self-funded party yet the work load is huge. This also will not stop us from forging ahead.
Q: Your critics have accused your party of behaving like a pressure group especially in the manner that you deal with issues, your take?
A: Pressure group or not, we don’t care. What is important is that we are recording successes and gradually achieving our goal. Remember, all political organisations exert some form of pressure but why are they not called pressure groups? Those who label us a pressure group are not honest with themselves. They are just being jealous of our heavily felt presence and try to belittle us. However, like I said, let people call us the way they like. It won’t distract us in any way. In fact, we are called by names – separatists, tribalists, secessionists, pressure groups et cetera. We are not moved by all that. We know our goal and, sooner or later we will achieve it.
Q: Your critics have also questioned why as a party you have not held any Congress since the inception of the party, what’s your take?
A: In the heat of a struggle, a congress is leisure. I am fully cognisant of its importance. I appreciate its role in advancing democracy, but at the present moment the party prioritises achieving specific milestones. A Congress will definitely be held at the right time.
Q: What’s your take about President Mnangagwa’s leadership as compared to that of Mugabe?
A: Rotten eggs are the same. None can be said to be better than the other. Both figures led the massacre of our people. Both refused to apologise. They have no regard for Mthwakazi people. Mugabe started the looting of our resources and ED is continuing the project. Both were/are just rulers. No leader.
Q: We have seen a continued invasion of land in Mat North, what’s your position on this matter?
A: This is part of the reason MRP was formed: to protect our people and resources. I have just said that this is a project which Mugabe initiated and ED is continuing. We are strongly against the practice. We condemn it. It’s a continuation of genocide. Its disempowerment and a contempt of our people. They transferred industries to Harare. Since land can’t be moved, they are invading. This is what kindles violence we will fight it to the end.
Q: With elections coming closer, are you ready as a party and what’s your vision?
A: We are ready to participate in the elections. We will only contest within our territory Mthwakazi. No spilling over to Mashonaland, we have no interests there. My immediate vision is a Mthwakazi which is represented in government by purely Mthwakazi people who have Mthwakazi interests at heart. People who will defend our people and resources. However, ultimately my vision is that of an independent Mthwakazi Republic, and it’s imminent
