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Hostilities in Matabeleland can only be resolved by devolution
21 May 2016 at 10:36hrs | Views
MDC-T senator Teresa Makone have said the marginalisation instigated hostilities in Matabeleland regions can only be resolved by the implementation of devolution.
"The issue about devolution should not be underestimated as a minor issue. In some parts of Zimbabwe, it really is a very serious issue. Those Members of the House who travelled in my group when we went to Matabeleland on the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Bill will bear with me that the hostility that we encountered there can only be resolved by devolution," said Makone.
"There is no way out. I felt Mr. President like a stranger in my own country. I had no idea of the depth of feeling and the resentment that is felt in that part of our country. Money as an excuse does not even begin to touch sides when you see the people of Matabeleland. We can say what we like in this House. We can joke and make funny comments about parties."
Makone said there are members from Matabeleland North in Zanu PF and there are members in this House from Matabeleland North in MDC-T.
"This is the one thing that they agree on, even though they will say it. What made me say that? When the members of the public were raving and ranting, not one member of the Senate from either party stood up to say that is enough," she said. "So they were complicit they were in agreement with their population and I do not blame them. I agree with them totally. If we can mess around with $15 billion that disappeared quietly, we can find money for Matabeleland. There, we have got unity of purpose in this House Mr. President. Let us not even talk of parties like the previous speaker did. It has got nothing to do with parties. This is the one thing that unites them, devolution."
The senator said the minute you go past the Shangani River they change.
"I am telling you. I felt that if we do not do something, we are showing insensitivity of the highest order. We are showing lack of care and we look as if we want to under develop Matabeleland. We are looking as if we want to take their resources and develop them here in Mashonaland. We look like we are just taking jobs from there and moving industry and these are things," she said.
"The issue about devolution should not be underestimated as a minor issue. In some parts of Zimbabwe, it really is a very serious issue. Those Members of the House who travelled in my group when we went to Matabeleland on the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Bill will bear with me that the hostility that we encountered there can only be resolved by devolution," said Makone.
"There is no way out. I felt Mr. President like a stranger in my own country. I had no idea of the depth of feeling and the resentment that is felt in that part of our country. Money as an excuse does not even begin to touch sides when you see the people of Matabeleland. We can say what we like in this House. We can joke and make funny comments about parties."
Makone said there are members from Matabeleland North in Zanu PF and there are members in this House from Matabeleland North in MDC-T.
"This is the one thing that they agree on, even though they will say it. What made me say that? When the members of the public were raving and ranting, not one member of the Senate from either party stood up to say that is enough," she said. "So they were complicit they were in agreement with their population and I do not blame them. I agree with them totally. If we can mess around with $15 billion that disappeared quietly, we can find money for Matabeleland. There, we have got unity of purpose in this House Mr. President. Let us not even talk of parties like the previous speaker did. It has got nothing to do with parties. This is the one thing that unites them, devolution."
The senator said the minute you go past the Shangani River they change.
"I am telling you. I felt that if we do not do something, we are showing insensitivity of the highest order. We are showing lack of care and we look as if we want to under develop Matabeleland. We are looking as if we want to take their resources and develop them here in Mashonaland. We look like we are just taking jobs from there and moving industry and these are things," she said.
Source - Byo24News
