Former MDC Senator gives others a chance

OUTGOING MDC Senator for Tsholotsho Mr Believe Gaule who did not submit his name to the Nomination Court on Friday, yesterday said he is not quitting politics yet.

In a telephone interview from Tsholotsho, Mr Gaule said he had decided to give others a chance and concentrate on his personal business.

"The fact that I did not submit my name for nomination should not come as a surprise. You are aware that this time around senators are not voted for but they are included in the party list," said Mr Gaule.

"I thought about this for a long time and could not contest in the National Assembly because there were already candidates who were earmarked for those posts and I had been campaigning for them.

"I then resolved to stand aside and give others a chance. However, I have not quit politics. I am a member of the national council in my party and remain active in politics. I will campaign vigorously for my party and remain loyal to it."

Mr Gaule said he believed he was going to win the election if he participated but said he was against the idea of being nominated for a post instead of being voted.

"I am not power hungry although I know that I was going to win if I participated. In IsiNdebele we say kusinwa kudedelwana. I prefer being elected directly than being put on the party list.

"After all the chances of being put on the Senate depend on the number of votes that one's party will get," he said.

Mr Gaule said he was now going to concentrate his efforts on building his business empire in Tsholotsho where he runs retail shops.

"I am not losing sleep by not taking part in the coming elections. In fact, this will give me more time to focus on my businesses. I am into cattle buying and selling. I also run general dealer shops and bottle stores.

"One of my shops is at Dlamini area, the other one at Tshakalisa and the third one is at Takamujena in Ward 23. I also own a grinding mill and I am planning to venture into transport business," said Mr Gaule.

Contacted for comment, MDC national spokesperson Mr Nhlanhla Dube said Mr Gaule remains a loyal party member.

"Mr Gaule requested to be exempted from the Senate party list and pledged to mobilise support for the party. He noted that if the party wins resoundingly, he would concentrate on working for the province since we now have devolution of power.

"The party respected his decision. He is still a senior party cadre who is loyal to the party. There are no bad relations between him and the party," said Mr Dube.