News / National
Mzila Ndlovu honoured for championing human rights in Matebeleland
2 hrs ago | Views
Veteran freedom fighter, former minister, and opposition politician Moses Mzila Ndlovu has been honoured with the General Lookout Masuku Award by the 1893 Matebeleland Human Rights Restoration Movement (MHRRM) for his unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation, and justice in Zimbabwe.
The award, named after liberation hero General Lookout Masuku, celebrates individuals who embody resilience, leadership, and an unrelenting spirit in advancing human rights. Ndlovu was recognized for his enduring advocacy for the people of Matebeleland, particularly victims of the Gukurahundi genocide.
At the award ceremony held in Bulawayo on Saturday, MHRRM Deputy Executive Director Greater Sibanda emphasized the importance of acknowledging individuals' contributions during their lifetimes.
"Often, we wait to honour people after they are dead, but today, we break from that norm. Moses Mzila has been a steadfast advocate for justice and human rights, and we want him to know that his contributions are deeply appreciated," said Sibanda.
Ndlovu's career spans decades, from teaching at Sobukazi High School to serving as a ZPRA platoon commander during the liberation struggle, receiving military training in the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Angola. Sibanda highlighted his resilience during the Gukurahundi genocide and his pivotal role in reforming the College Lecturers Association of Zimbabwe (COLAZ) and co-founding the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in 1999.
"As a politician, he won the Bulilimamangwe South parliamentary seat in 2000, served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and later as Minister of State in the Organ for National Healing, Reconciliation, and Integration. Mzila's leadership and dedication have made him a beacon of hope and a true champion for Matebeleland," Sibanda added.
The MHRRM, established to address historical injustices in Matebeleland, has spearheaded initiatives such as fencing the Gadade Memorial and providing water to drought-stricken communities.
"Our movement is about addressing past injustices and building a future where all people of Matebeleland can thrive," said Sibanda.
MHRRM Executive Director Thembani Dube, represented by Elson Ndlovu, commended Ndlovu's resilience, likening him to a "Buffalo soldier in the heart of Matebeleland."
"You have been an amplified voice of the voiceless, advancing the sacrosanct rights of the people of Matebeleland. Despite the painful setbacks, you have remained guided by Matabele values of love, fairness, justice, and meritocracy," Dube remarked.
Local activist group Ibhetshu LikaZulu joined in the tributes, with Secretary General Mbuso Fuzwayo hailing Ndlovu as an inspiration to young leaders.
"He was a minister who was put in leg irons - not for corruption, but for standing for his people. The injustice done to Mzila by the government is so severe that even his farm has been subdivided," Fuzwayo noted.
In his acceptance speech, Ndlovu recounted the hardships he has faced in his fight for justice, including personal threats to his family.
"I am not under the protection of the law in this country, but that will not deter me. The pain that I have gone through - and will continue to go through - does not become an issue. What others see as heroic deeds are simply appropriate responses to situations at the time," he said.
He called for collective efforts to address the challenges faced by Matebeleland, remaining steadfast in his commitment to his people.
This recognition underscores Ndlovu's enduring legacy as a freedom fighter and a champion for justice and human rights in Zimbabwe.
The award, named after liberation hero General Lookout Masuku, celebrates individuals who embody resilience, leadership, and an unrelenting spirit in advancing human rights. Ndlovu was recognized for his enduring advocacy for the people of Matebeleland, particularly victims of the Gukurahundi genocide.
At the award ceremony held in Bulawayo on Saturday, MHRRM Deputy Executive Director Greater Sibanda emphasized the importance of acknowledging individuals' contributions during their lifetimes.
"Often, we wait to honour people after they are dead, but today, we break from that norm. Moses Mzila has been a steadfast advocate for justice and human rights, and we want him to know that his contributions are deeply appreciated," said Sibanda.
Ndlovu's career spans decades, from teaching at Sobukazi High School to serving as a ZPRA platoon commander during the liberation struggle, receiving military training in the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Angola. Sibanda highlighted his resilience during the Gukurahundi genocide and his pivotal role in reforming the College Lecturers Association of Zimbabwe (COLAZ) and co-founding the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in 1999.
"As a politician, he won the Bulilimamangwe South parliamentary seat in 2000, served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and later as Minister of State in the Organ for National Healing, Reconciliation, and Integration. Mzila's leadership and dedication have made him a beacon of hope and a true champion for Matebeleland," Sibanda added.
The MHRRM, established to address historical injustices in Matebeleland, has spearheaded initiatives such as fencing the Gadade Memorial and providing water to drought-stricken communities.
"Our movement is about addressing past injustices and building a future where all people of Matebeleland can thrive," said Sibanda.
MHRRM Executive Director Thembani Dube, represented by Elson Ndlovu, commended Ndlovu's resilience, likening him to a "Buffalo soldier in the heart of Matebeleland."
"You have been an amplified voice of the voiceless, advancing the sacrosanct rights of the people of Matebeleland. Despite the painful setbacks, you have remained guided by Matabele values of love, fairness, justice, and meritocracy," Dube remarked.
Local activist group Ibhetshu LikaZulu joined in the tributes, with Secretary General Mbuso Fuzwayo hailing Ndlovu as an inspiration to young leaders.
"He was a minister who was put in leg irons - not for corruption, but for standing for his people. The injustice done to Mzila by the government is so severe that even his farm has been subdivided," Fuzwayo noted.
In his acceptance speech, Ndlovu recounted the hardships he has faced in his fight for justice, including personal threats to his family.
"I am not under the protection of the law in this country, but that will not deter me. The pain that I have gone through - and will continue to go through - does not become an issue. What others see as heroic deeds are simply appropriate responses to situations at the time," he said.
He called for collective efforts to address the challenges faced by Matebeleland, remaining steadfast in his commitment to his people.
This recognition underscores Ndlovu's enduring legacy as a freedom fighter and a champion for justice and human rights in Zimbabwe.
Source - cite
