Opinion / Columnist
A case for sovereignty In Matebeleland
22 Aug 2012 at 19:24hrs | Views
Matebeleland prior to the arrival of the British, was a sovereign state with diplomatic ties with a number of countries including Britain. This was known as the Kingdom of Matebeleland which came to an end through one act of unprovoked aggression by the British. It was later subdivided into different provinces.
Since 1980 Matebeleland has experienced the full effect of ethnicity; what started out as an exercise to eliminate supposed banditry ended up in a full scale ethnic cleansing exercise which saw the butchering of the population on a scale unimaginable in what was to be the new shining light in Africa - under the guidance of Robert Mugabe. I refer to the Gukurahundi of course. These dreadful atrocities were kept under wraps for a long time and which have, only of late, been given full recognition - with others insisting it never happened.
Many organizations have tried to high light these dreadful atrocities. Readers will recall that Zapu 2000 tried to get Enos Nkala and Joseph Msika to explain these happenings to the people of Matebeleland - but to no avail.
If one were to read the "Final Solution" written by Zanu-PF at the time of the Lancaster House talks one will realise that the question of ethnicity was always a priority and we have seen since 1980 the dominance of the Karanga over the Manyika and in turn the dominance of the Zezuru over the Karanga. Indeed the whole succession battle within Zanu-PF is one which is based purely on tribal/ethnic grounds. This has led to the marginalization of the likes of Emmerson Mnagagwa, who was tipped to be the likely successor to President Mugabe, but he is a Karanga, and this has led to a massive split within Zanu-PF, which readers will be fully aware of.
Apart from the historical aspect there are many factors which contribute to the need for secession from what has become a man made fiasco.
We have seen Zanu-PF undermining the constitutional process - this is well documented.
We have witnessed the futile attempts by President Zuma and Sadc to try and mediate - the latest meeting in Maputo confirming this is a futile exercise.
We have seen the MDC breaking into different factions - getting more tribal and fractured by the day.
We see the massive influence/grip of the Chinese in the country. So much so that it would be fair to say it is only they and the newly found diamonds that have kept the country and Zanu-PF alive and in power.
We have seen that the Government of National Unity has not worked.
We have seen a Prime Minister who cannot carry out his duties. I remind readers that it is this same Prime Minister who said that all farm invasions will end and those who partake will "See the full wrath of the law" We all know that farm invasions is still an on going exercise.
The Prime Minister is still trying to have his car released - which was impounded by the police in the 2008 elections - surely this all but tells the story.
We saw the delegate from the ANC of South Africa tell delegates at the last Zanu-PF congress that "The ANC of South Africa will ensure that you Zanu-PF will stay in power" - this is the party of the main facilitator in the Zimbabwe crisis. Surely comment is not needed.
We have seen the interference of the military in the political process.
Can I draw readers attention to recent developments.
MDC has always opposed the land invasions and Morgan Tsvangirai is on record in saying that the wrong doings should be "redressed" Yet of late they have endorsed a constitution which all but legalizes those invasions. Minister of Finance Biti recently said at a gathering that they (MDC) fully endorse the land grab/invasions and "Zimbabwe will never be a colony again" It wasn't that many months ago that he opposed these measures. Ironically it is the same white farmer who has now been deserted who in many ways got Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC on the road, as it were.
Within these recent times we have seen all members of the opposition sing President Mugabe's praise. Prime Minister Tsvangirai even went as far as embarking on a tour to many countries asking for the removal of sanctions.
Then we saw all factions of MDC vote with Zanu-PF on the Human Rights Commission bill. Readers will know this will enable a new commission to be put in place who will be charged to investigate/act on issues relating to matters of State. However, they will NOT investigate or look into matters prior to February of 2009. Thus effectively brushing the dreadful atrocities of the 80's under the carpet - as if they never happened. Is this not a dreadful travesty of justice? Surely I am with in the bounds of reality in saying this must be tantamount to treason. What effect do readers think this will have on the people of Matebeleland ?
How did this sudden change of heart come about. This is how I surmise the situation.
It is a known fact that one of President Mugabe's greatest fears is landing up in the Hague - as did Charles Taylor. We all know that the West (Britain in particular) has been trying to bring about change in the country - massive support for MDC. Given the Chinese influence and grip on the country they (the West) had to find a middle of the road solution to prevent what could turn into a Syria type situation. I am of the opinion that the West went to the President using immunity against prosecution as a bargaining tool.
Clearly there must have been an agreement - which would account for the above. Since then we have seen the delivery of 1100 Land Rover vehicles from the British government for the police. This is in spite of the fact that they are an extended arm of Zanu-PF - of late disrupting and banning MDC meetings.
Given all of the above would it not be safe to say that Matebeleland would be so much better of divorced from this man-made chaos and return to what it was before - a sovereign state.
What we will see is a situation very much like the present. Even if the MDC were to win an election they have proved by their latest deliberations that they are not worthy of the vote from Matebeleland.
Zapu has thrown in their lot with Zanu-PF so that will isolate them . It is worth mentioning that in the 1980 elections Zanu-PF obtained some thing in the region of 18,000 votes in Matebeleland and in 2008 that dwindled to less than 3,000.
There is a clear call from the people of Matebeleland for sovereignty and the right to pave their own future and that of generations to come. There is an absolute hunger for sanity and stability.
We have a constitution in place that will protect the rights and property of all people. Our judiciary will be totally independent from government. All legal transactions prior to 1980 will be adhered to - thus returning land to its rightful owners. I wrote the land policy and it was readily agreed to by the executive. Perhaps above all provision will be made for accountability. I am totally convinced the chaos we see in Zimbabwe today is largely to blame for the lack of accountability.
It is my hope that this article confirms that there is not only a historical aspect to the sovereignty of Matebeleland but a real need.
Gerald Smith
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Matebeleland Liberation Organisation
-----------
Gerald Smith was the last President of the Conservative Alliance Zimbabwe and was instrumental in the formation of the Zimbabwe Unity Movement and the United Front. All interested parties can contact him on geraldsmith@xtra.co.nz
Since 1980 Matebeleland has experienced the full effect of ethnicity; what started out as an exercise to eliminate supposed banditry ended up in a full scale ethnic cleansing exercise which saw the butchering of the population on a scale unimaginable in what was to be the new shining light in Africa - under the guidance of Robert Mugabe. I refer to the Gukurahundi of course. These dreadful atrocities were kept under wraps for a long time and which have, only of late, been given full recognition - with others insisting it never happened.
Many organizations have tried to high light these dreadful atrocities. Readers will recall that Zapu 2000 tried to get Enos Nkala and Joseph Msika to explain these happenings to the people of Matebeleland - but to no avail.
If one were to read the "Final Solution" written by Zanu-PF at the time of the Lancaster House talks one will realise that the question of ethnicity was always a priority and we have seen since 1980 the dominance of the Karanga over the Manyika and in turn the dominance of the Zezuru over the Karanga. Indeed the whole succession battle within Zanu-PF is one which is based purely on tribal/ethnic grounds. This has led to the marginalization of the likes of Emmerson Mnagagwa, who was tipped to be the likely successor to President Mugabe, but he is a Karanga, and this has led to a massive split within Zanu-PF, which readers will be fully aware of.
Apart from the historical aspect there are many factors which contribute to the need for secession from what has become a man made fiasco.
We have seen Zanu-PF undermining the constitutional process - this is well documented.
We have witnessed the futile attempts by President Zuma and Sadc to try and mediate - the latest meeting in Maputo confirming this is a futile exercise.
We have seen the MDC breaking into different factions - getting more tribal and fractured by the day.
We see the massive influence/grip of the Chinese in the country. So much so that it would be fair to say it is only they and the newly found diamonds that have kept the country and Zanu-PF alive and in power.
We have seen that the Government of National Unity has not worked.
We have seen a Prime Minister who cannot carry out his duties. I remind readers that it is this same Prime Minister who said that all farm invasions will end and those who partake will "See the full wrath of the law" We all know that farm invasions is still an on going exercise.
The Prime Minister is still trying to have his car released - which was impounded by the police in the 2008 elections - surely this all but tells the story.
We saw the delegate from the ANC of South Africa tell delegates at the last Zanu-PF congress that "The ANC of South Africa will ensure that you Zanu-PF will stay in power" - this is the party of the main facilitator in the Zimbabwe crisis. Surely comment is not needed.
We have seen the interference of the military in the political process.
MDC has always opposed the land invasions and Morgan Tsvangirai is on record in saying that the wrong doings should be "redressed" Yet of late they have endorsed a constitution which all but legalizes those invasions. Minister of Finance Biti recently said at a gathering that they (MDC) fully endorse the land grab/invasions and "Zimbabwe will never be a colony again" It wasn't that many months ago that he opposed these measures. Ironically it is the same white farmer who has now been deserted who in many ways got Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC on the road, as it were.
Within these recent times we have seen all members of the opposition sing President Mugabe's praise. Prime Minister Tsvangirai even went as far as embarking on a tour to many countries asking for the removal of sanctions.
Then we saw all factions of MDC vote with Zanu-PF on the Human Rights Commission bill. Readers will know this will enable a new commission to be put in place who will be charged to investigate/act on issues relating to matters of State. However, they will NOT investigate or look into matters prior to February of 2009. Thus effectively brushing the dreadful atrocities of the 80's under the carpet - as if they never happened. Is this not a dreadful travesty of justice? Surely I am with in the bounds of reality in saying this must be tantamount to treason. What effect do readers think this will have on the people of Matebeleland ?
How did this sudden change of heart come about. This is how I surmise the situation.
It is a known fact that one of President Mugabe's greatest fears is landing up in the Hague - as did Charles Taylor. We all know that the West (Britain in particular) has been trying to bring about change in the country - massive support for MDC. Given the Chinese influence and grip on the country they (the West) had to find a middle of the road solution to prevent what could turn into a Syria type situation. I am of the opinion that the West went to the President using immunity against prosecution as a bargaining tool.
Clearly there must have been an agreement - which would account for the above. Since then we have seen the delivery of 1100 Land Rover vehicles from the British government for the police. This is in spite of the fact that they are an extended arm of Zanu-PF - of late disrupting and banning MDC meetings.
Given all of the above would it not be safe to say that Matebeleland would be so much better of divorced from this man-made chaos and return to what it was before - a sovereign state.
What we will see is a situation very much like the present. Even if the MDC were to win an election they have proved by their latest deliberations that they are not worthy of the vote from Matebeleland.
Zapu has thrown in their lot with Zanu-PF so that will isolate them . It is worth mentioning that in the 1980 elections Zanu-PF obtained some thing in the region of 18,000 votes in Matebeleland and in 2008 that dwindled to less than 3,000.
There is a clear call from the people of Matebeleland for sovereignty and the right to pave their own future and that of generations to come. There is an absolute hunger for sanity and stability.
We have a constitution in place that will protect the rights and property of all people. Our judiciary will be totally independent from government. All legal transactions prior to 1980 will be adhered to - thus returning land to its rightful owners. I wrote the land policy and it was readily agreed to by the executive. Perhaps above all provision will be made for accountability. I am totally convinced the chaos we see in Zimbabwe today is largely to blame for the lack of accountability.
It is my hope that this article confirms that there is not only a historical aspect to the sovereignty of Matebeleland but a real need.
Gerald Smith
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Matebeleland Liberation Organisation
-----------
Gerald Smith was the last President of the Conservative Alliance Zimbabwe and was instrumental in the formation of the Zimbabwe Unity Movement and the United Front. All interested parties can contact him on geraldsmith@xtra.co.nz
Source - Gerald Smith
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