MRP call for self-determination as Africa celebrates Africa day

Mthwakazi Republic Party leader Mqondisi Moyo has reminded heads of African states that as they celebrate Africa day they must remember that there is unfinished business of some of the states like Mthwakazi which are yet to attain self determination at the hands of directors purporting to be liberators.

'As we commemorate Africa Day, a momentous occasion that celebrates our collective journey towards freedom, unity, and progress, I take this opportunity to reflect on the unfinished business of liberation and self-determination that still plagues many communities across our continent. The MRP, representing the interests of the Mthwakazi nation in Zimbabwe, joins the African family in celebrating this significant day, while also highlighting the critical issues that demand our urgent attention," Moyo said.

"As we mark this important milestone, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by our forebears in the struggle for independence and self-determination. However, for many marginalized communities, including the Mthwakazi people, the struggle is far from over. We continue to face systemic marginalization, human rights abuses, and denial of our right to self-determination."

He said on this Africa Day, they call upon esteemed leaders and the African Union to prioritize the unfinished business of liberation and self-determination for all African communities.

"We urge you to recognize the historical injustices that have been committed against the Mthwakazi people and to take concrete steps to address our grievances," he said.

"As we come together to commemorate Africa Day, we stand in gratitude and recognition of the unwavering commitment that the African Union has shown in the liberation and independence struggles of our nations. The historical foundation laid by the Organization of African Unity, now manifested in the African Union, and has been pivotal in fostering unity, independence, and solidarity across our continent. "

Moyo said the strength and resilience demonstrated by African nations have propelled us toward significant achievements in promoting democracy, peace, and socio-economic development.

"The African Union (AU) has a rich history of supporting African nations in their struggles for liberation and independence from colonialism. This legacy of solidarity and support has been a cornerstone of the organization's commitment to promoting freedom, justice, and self-determination across the continent. Zimbabwe, for instance, received significant backing from the AU's predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), during its fight for independence from British colonial rule," he said.

"Starkly contrasting with its historical solidarity with nations fighting for liberation, the African Union's support for indigenous and marginalized communities within Africa's independent nations has been marked by a profound and troubling silence, underscoring a significant absence of meaningful action and solidarity with those struggling for justice, self-determination, and human rights in the face of systemic oppression and marginalization. "

He said Mthwakazi people, a marginalized community in Zimbabwe, are a case in point.

" They have been subjected to decades of systemic marginalization, oppression, and human rights abuses at the hands of the Shona-dominated ZanuPF government," he said..

"As the President of the Mthwakazi Republic Party, I stand before you today to shed light on the historical injustices that have plagued our people for centuries. Following a fierce battle against the Matabele warriors in a bid to overthrow King Lobhengula and gain control over his Matabeleland territory, the British South Africa Company (BSAC) ultimately succeeded in its conquest. Before this colonial incursion, Mashonaland and Matabeleland were very distinct and separate regions, both geographically and physically, inhabited by distinct and separate people of different nationalities. These regions had their own unique cultural, historical, and traditional identities, shaped by their specific contexts and experiences."

Moyo noted that Mthwakazi nation's quest for restoration is rooted in a complex history that spans centuries.

He said Prior to colonialism, the Mthwakazi kingdom existed as a sovereign entity, with its own distinct systems of governance, culture, and identity. However, this sovereignty was brutally disrupted by the British South Africa Company (BSAC), a colonial force driven by expansionist ambitions.

" The BSAC forcibly merged Mashonaland and Matabeleland under its control, violently imposing a unified administration over the two distinct territories and their inhabitants," he said.

"This act of aggression led to the destruction of pre-existing Ndebele settlements, culture, and traditional ways of life, causing widespread displacement, suppression, and exploitation. The BSAC's violent takeover enabled the company to consolidate power, exploit resources, and impose its dominance over the local populations, disregarding the regions' unique cultural, historical, and geographical identities."

He said Mthwakazi people have faced systemic brutality, including the use of force and intimidation, torture, disappearances, and even loss of life, whenever they dare to raise concerns or voice disapproval against the oppressive regime.

"This crackdown on dissent has created a climate of fear, silencing voices that seek to highlight the injustices and marginalization faced by the Mthwakazi nation," he said.

"Furthermore, the forced assimilation of the Shona language has been imposed as the nation's priority and supreme language, deliberately erasing the Ndebele language and culture from the national narrative. This linguistic imperialism is part of a broader effort to erase the Ndebele identity and culture, as the Shona narrative is systematically imposed and upheld as the dominant history of the nation."

He said rewriting of history to suit the Shona perspective has resulted in the distortion of facts, the erasure of Ndebele contributions, and the perpetuation of a false narrative that marginalizes the Mthwakazi people.