Matabeleland senator Mlotshwa skeptical about the defence University programmes

Matabeleland South MDC-T Senator Sithembile Mlotshwa has expressed reservations about the programmes which the defence University would be teaching indicating that in the 1980s the army was used to butcher innocent people in Matabeleland and Midlands and this college can be used to train the soldiers for such inhuman activities.

"I want to make a contribution to the Bill that has been brought in by the Minister of Defence Sydney Sekeramayi," Mlotshwa said.

"Minister, we were there when soldiers turned to killing civilians during the Gukurahundi era. We know how it happened and we are concerned, especially us who come from Matebleleland. We wish there were public hearings conducted so that the content of the programmes are brought to the people so that they scrutinise."

Mlotshwa said this is because the university is for the people of Zimbabwe, there is nothing private about it.

"We want all the parliamentary procedures to be followed. It should not seem as if the opposition does not want the Bill to go through, we are willing to see it through. We want our soldiers to be trained in modern technology and expertise so that they do not kill people blindly. We want them to go through the intellectual training, but we also want the people of Zimbabwe to be enlightened on what is happening. This is for the reason that when we talk of soldiers, we are talking about security and this may involve deaths. My wish is that you should consider consulting citizens on these sensitive issues so that they are free to ask questions before we come and pass the Bill," he said.

"No discrimination in Defence University enrollment Minister"

Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi has told the senate that there will be no discrimination on members of parliament who want to enroll at the Defence university.

This was after the MDC-T senator Morgan Komichi expressed fears that the MDC members will be sidelined in the enrollment processes.

"Senator Komichi, be willing to approach these issues with an open mind. Do not hesitate to speak your mind just because you are in the opposition professionally," Sekeramayi said.

"No, life is not like that. There will be no discrimination even when establishing this on paper and I quote, "prohibition against discrimination, no test, religion, political belief, race, ethnic origin, nationality or gender shall be imposed upon or be required of any person in order to entitle him/her to be admitted as a member of staff, student of the university, to hold any office therein or privileged thereof."

He said so, this is a university for Zimbabweans and one just hopes that Senator Komichi does not come and say MDC.

"Just come as a good person. This is how things should be done. Do not begin from a confrontational posture, begin from a posture that says this in good faith, bonafide and not mollified. That is it and just be relaxed," he said.