ZimRights overlook activists from Matabeleland

HARARE CIVIL SOCIETY groups have shortlisted three Harare social movement leaders for a prestigious human rights award and surprisingly there is no-one from Matabeleland and the award ceremony is due on 25 November in Bulawayo.

#ThisFlag leader pastor Evan Mawarire, who is now exiled in the US, organizers of #Tajamuka, Linda Masarira  and Patson Dzamara have been lined up for the award.

In a statement Tuesday, organizers of the wards, ZimRights, said the five nominees for the People's Choice Award were nominated by members of the public who have recognized their contribution to democracy.

According to organisers of the award (s), the final winner will be determined by the number of votes he or she would have accumulated through social media public poll.

A glimpse at comments on social media proclaims a biase on how ZimRights conducted the process.

Below are a few comments:

Mduduzi Khanye sais, "@ Cassias Mpofu you are very correct. Cde Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena has done a lot for the Zimbabwean community resident in South Africa than any of these nominees combined."

Mvelase Mthembu said, "How was the nomination process done? Was it even made public?"

Zenzele Ndebele said, "My community Human rights defenders are the people of Matopo who defended Maleme farm."

Busani Moyo said, "I think people who work for the community even those abasemaphandleni must be nominated instead of those TV stars , what value have they added to someone in Cawunanjena or Saziyabana? Let's not glorify some cheap politicking banengi abantu abagcina izintandane labantu abadala abangabalwanga."

Sitha Sabelo Ngwenya KaVikinduku said, "Lathi asenzeni awethu aweBammeli. Remember how one of these Mashonaland based human rights NGOs once refused to defend Mthwakazi treason trialists???"

Silas Nkala said, "Its a Harare thing i think."

Ihawu Imvusazwe said, "i can't but observe ... ngamaShona wodwa. and that's factual ... and says a lot!!"

Cassias Mpofu said, "It's like if you go to some streets in Harare and make a lot of noise and get beaten or arrested you qualify for the nomination and award. So pathetic.. We have people who have sacrificed a lot for the suffering people in and outside Zimbabwe but they are not recognised.. honestly speaking no one among those nominees quality for anything because they are just noise makers and they are always seeking public attention."