'We cannot resurrect those who died' during Gukurahundi says Zanu-PF official

ZANU-PF Politburo member Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube yesterday said Gukurahundi should not be abused to block the revolutionary party's efforts to bring development in Matabeleland.

Addressing hundreds of people at Makokoba's Efusini square Rtd Col Dube, who is aspiring to represent Makokoba in the National

Assembly, said he was aware of the anger that people from the region still had over the Gukurahundi issue but quickly urged them to seek reconciliation and support Zanu-PF, saying the party holds the keys to meaningful development.

"I know that many of you are still grieved by the past events. This is painful but we must discuss it. If you elect us we will talk to the Government and solve this issue.

"What matters is that kumele sikhumisane umlotha (we should broker peace).

"It is true that a lot happened in history but we should not stay there forever.

"We cannot resurrect those who died, even if they died in a bad way."

Rtd Col Dube said there was a need for a proper healing and reconciliation process that would solve the issue once and for all.

"I know that this is an issue that people are not happy about and of course we cannot just say it is over. We need to apologise to people as leaders and the chiefs should lead the process of reconciliation by conducting the necessary rituals.

"I have spoken to the President of the Chiefs' Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira, about this issue and urged him to convene a meeting with other chiefs in the country to discuss this issue and broker peace," he said, adding that people should not hold grievances for years as it was affecting development efforts.

Rtd Col Dube bemoaned the collapse of Bulawayo's industries and general lack of development in the city and said a Zanu-PF government alone was able to turn around the city's economy.

He said Government officials should desist from insulting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and instead, engage and teach them about the developmental priorities in their communities.

"It is saddening that a lot of facilities and infrastructure here in Makokoba has been run down. I have heard some leaders castigating NGOs and accusing them of seeking regime change. I am saying let NGOs come here in Makokoba and assist us to achieve development.

"NGOs work like missionaries and if we teach them what we want there is no way in which they can work against our interests. Factories have closed and we need to look for investors to revive them. I feel like crying when I see the state of our industry."

Rtd Col Dube said people should vote wisely in the next election by choosing leaders who have their interests at heart.

"People are the Government because they elect leaders.

"We need to choose leaders who would improve our lives instead of enriching themselves. I have acquired wealth on my own and have all the nice cars.

"The reason why I want to be in Government is not to get wealth but to assist my people and help them develop as well.

"Some judge me by the party I belong to but I am saying look at the candidate as an individual. Elect leaders who would not desert you," he said.

Rtd Col Dube said he was keen to help the community to establish its own economic ventures and urged them to desist from receiving free handouts.

"We cannot afford to give money to individuals as that is not sustainable. What we need is to help people realise their potential by working with them," he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zanu-PF central committee member Molly Mpofu urged residents to register as voters and rally behind Rtd Col Dube and President Mugabe come election time.