'Concentrate on studies,' Mphoko urges youth

VICE PRESIDENT Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday urged youth to concentrate on their studies and not resort to illegally crossing to South Africa as there was nothing for them but death there.

VP Mphoko made the remarks as he donated 400 books worth $4,000 to Mahlothova Secondary School in Nyamandlovu, Umguza district.

"I've come to talk to the children. I want you to know one thing, it doesn't matter whether your parents are rich or poor. They're still your parents. Home will always be home. Don't think that home is elsewhere," said VP Mphoko.

"Don't think there's life for you across. In these books is where your life is, there's nothing for you there (South Africa). Concentrate on your education and not crossing to South Africa illegally."

VP Mphoko had with him pictures of people attacked in South Africa during xenophobic attacks including one of a foreigner who was burnt by putting a tyre around his neck and set alight saying the youth should instead cash on opportunities in the country after acquiring education.

He had another picture of umagumaguma (people who help others skip the border) carrying a child after the mother had fled the police while illegally crossing Limpopo River into the neighbouring country.

"What do you think this umagumaguma did to this child after the mother had fled? Obviously he threw the child into the water. You pay omalayitsha between 1,000 to 1,500 rand to cross illegally. Those who don't have the money, if you're a girl the umalayitsha upon reaching South Africa will detain you at their house and tell their friends that they've a young girl," said VP Mphoko.

"They'll hire you to their friends and by the time they recoup their money, you would have fallen sick and come back home in a coffin carrying flowers on your chest. The boys on the other hand would be hired to homosexuals. There's no better place than home. Don't rush to South Africa, there's death there."

VP Mphoko's sentiments come following the recent death of 12 Zimbabweans from Tsholotsho district who were involved in an accident in Botswana on their way to South Africa.

It was established after their death that the Zimbabweans were rushing to reach the South African border so that they cross before dark as they did not have proper travel documents.

VP Mphoko has 11 tonnes of books that he will be distributing to schools around the country. He has since donated books to five schools in Matabeleland North and will be moving to Matabeleland South and Bulawayo.

Speaking at the same occasion, Umguza legislator and Zanu-PF politburo member Obert Mpofu said VP Mphoko was a tireless worker who will carry the aspirations of the people.

Mpofu said VP Mphoko did not start donating books after his elevation but had earlier approached him asking for a list of schools that needed assistance.

He attacked some former Zipra cadres for claiming that they did not know VP Mphoko saying such people were sell outs during the war.

Mpofu said they supported President Mugabe and the appointments he made during and after the 6th Zanu-PF National Congress held in Harare last December.

"Here in Umguza, we're a one party state. We're all Zanu-PF and we'll continue winning elections. There may be attempts to sponsor people to destabilise us but we'll overcome that," said Mpofu.