News / National
Freedom Alliance seeks to grow its Matabeleland footprint
5 hrs ago | Views
The Matabeleland-based movement, Freedom Alliance (FA), has launched a call for its members to broaden the scope of its influence by recruiting their families - specifically wives and children - to join the struggle for regional development and governance reform. The movement, led by academic and public policy expert Samukele Hadebe, is seeking to build a stronger grassroots presence in order to challenge the central government and address long-standing development issues affecting the region.
At a leadership induction event held in Nkayi, the FA's chairperson of the women's league, Sikhululekile Moyo, strongly encouraged male members to involve their wives in the movement's activities. Moyo, who also leads the interim leadership of the Izinkonjane group in Nkayi District - a platform primarily focused on women's recruitment - emphasized the importance of family involvement in advancing the cause.
"Please bring your wives to the struggle and to the Freedom Alliance," Moyo urged attendees. "You can't come to the Freedom Alliance alone and expect more women to join the struggle from nowhere. Come with your wives."
Hadebe, who serves as the FA's leader, echoed Moyo's call for a more inclusive approach to growing the movement. He praised Moyo's leadership and stressed the significance of building from within communities. "It is forthright leadership that advises the organization positively like what Moyo is doing," Hadebe stated. "By recruiting the people that members know, in families and neighborhoods, the organization will easily grow."
The Freedom Alliance, which was formed after the Matabeleland People's Convention in May 2021, was established by a coalition of stakeholders from various sectors, including civic society, political parties, the diaspora community, and religious groups. While it is not classified as a political party, the movement aims to address the longstanding governance and developmental challenges that have disproportionately affected the Matabeleland region since Zimbabwe's independence.
FA's interim district chairperson, Jabulani Macatsha Ndlovu, also emphasized the need for continuous education and awareness within the movement. He called on members to make an effort to read regularly, saying that informed leadership is key to resisting misleading narratives spread by state-run media. "Let's ensure that we at least read something per day or at least twice a week," Ndlovu stated. "Leadership is about being informed so that you are not easily misled by shameless propaganda churned through state media."
The FA has adopted a grassroots-oriented approach to its recruitment drive, aiming to build a network that will have a significant impact on regional development and governance reform. Its leaders argue that the historical neglect of Matabeleland by central government must be addressed, and the movement seeks to empower local communities to push for change.
As the Freedom Alliance continues to strengthen its foundation, the organization remains focused on its mission to challenge the status quo and advocate for equitable development in Matabeleland. With leadership rooted in both academic and political expertise, FA is positioning itself as a key player in the region's fight for justice and development.
At a leadership induction event held in Nkayi, the FA's chairperson of the women's league, Sikhululekile Moyo, strongly encouraged male members to involve their wives in the movement's activities. Moyo, who also leads the interim leadership of the Izinkonjane group in Nkayi District - a platform primarily focused on women's recruitment - emphasized the importance of family involvement in advancing the cause.
"Please bring your wives to the struggle and to the Freedom Alliance," Moyo urged attendees. "You can't come to the Freedom Alliance alone and expect more women to join the struggle from nowhere. Come with your wives."
Hadebe, who serves as the FA's leader, echoed Moyo's call for a more inclusive approach to growing the movement. He praised Moyo's leadership and stressed the significance of building from within communities. "It is forthright leadership that advises the organization positively like what Moyo is doing," Hadebe stated. "By recruiting the people that members know, in families and neighborhoods, the organization will easily grow."
FA's interim district chairperson, Jabulani Macatsha Ndlovu, also emphasized the need for continuous education and awareness within the movement. He called on members to make an effort to read regularly, saying that informed leadership is key to resisting misleading narratives spread by state-run media. "Let's ensure that we at least read something per day or at least twice a week," Ndlovu stated. "Leadership is about being informed so that you are not easily misled by shameless propaganda churned through state media."
The FA has adopted a grassroots-oriented approach to its recruitment drive, aiming to build a network that will have a significant impact on regional development and governance reform. Its leaders argue that the historical neglect of Matabeleland by central government must be addressed, and the movement seeks to empower local communities to push for change.
As the Freedom Alliance continues to strengthen its foundation, the organization remains focused on its mission to challenge the status quo and advocate for equitable development in Matabeleland. With leadership rooted in both academic and political expertise, FA is positioning itself as a key player in the region's fight for justice and development.
Source - the standard
