Tortured Senior MDC-T leader dies in South Africa

It is with sadness that the MDC-T announces to the world the untimely death of senior party provincial leader, Charles Matorera.

At the time of his shocking torture induced departure, the MDC-T South Africa provincial secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture was domiciled in the Free State Provincial capital, Bloemfontein.

Cde Matorera has left a rich legacy of commitment to the democratic agenda having left activism footprints in many provinces across Zimbabwe.

Cde Charles Matorera is a founding member of the MDC-T and has worked very hard in Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces introducing the party of excellence to other villagers. Being of the Sinyoro clan, the traditional royalty - this has led to serious tension with the then ambassadors of the despotic Mugabe in the locality but he still stood his ground as he continued in his quest for a better life.

At many a times, Cde Matorera was arrested, detained and tortured but neither did this deter nor stop him from pursuing the democratic agenda. True to his conviction, compromising nothing – there were serious altercations as the family was even threatened with dethronement of the traditional chieftaincy because of his activism which brought a lot of disharmony and depression upon his person.

Fearing for his life and now and not willing to endanger the family, Cde Matorera fled the country into exile headed for South Africa. Upon arrival, he joined fellow cadres and they formed Zimbabwe Political Victims Association (ZIPOVA) with the help of human rights lawyer Adv. Gabriel Shumba and Bishop Paul Verryn of the Methodist church.

Despite his battle with the effects of the state inflicted torture that had generally affected his health, Cde Matorera moved to Bloemfontein to launch the party of excellence in the area. True to his character, that of being driven by his love for the party and not being position oriented, he only served one term as district chairman and remained an advisor and mentor to the young democrats.

Among his deliverables in the South African province of the MDC-T as motivated by his love for the people's project are the launch of various sports  codes for Zimbabwean across the country, the launch of the Diaspora Newspaper, his music projects and the numerous opinion pieces he produced for the party in line with his portfolio of service.

In 2008, Cde Matorera was blessed with a baby girl whom he named Tatoranyika in observation and celebration of the then impeding plebiscite which President Tsvangirai won only to be denied ascendency to the presidency of Zimbabwe by Mnangagwa and his gang.

In collaboration with the family of the departed comrade, the remains of our hero will be taken to his final resting place in Zimbabwe. A memorial service will be held and for more details contact  Organiser Cde Trust Ndlovu on 0027789047564 or the Acting Chairman Cde Stanly Mutambiranwa on 0027839536554 of the MDC-T in South Africa.

To the Matorera family, the MDC-T in South and at large stand with you in these trying times. There is no doubt that Sinyoro was a national asset of gigantic proportions and the loss is to the nation at large. Regrettably is clear that the torture our comrade has suffered at the hands of Mugabe and his gang had one goal which is to decimate the democratic brigade. We remain comforted that Cde Charles Matorera will not be lonely as he shall be joining like-minded people in heaven who have departed earlier notably, Tonderai Ndira, Remember Moyo, Seiso Moyo, Getrude Mthombeni  and Learnmore Jongwe among others.

Rest in peace Cde Matorera
May your soul rest in peace.

Wangu-Mine
MDC-T South Province Secretary For Information And Publicity - 0027785900238