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Traditional leadership partisan as intimidation escalates
Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD)
May 21, 2012

Masvingo has seen violent acts mushrooming over the past two months ranging from the barring of 29 organizations the blacklisting of alleged opposition supporters from benefiting in the grain and loan scheme to the rise of political violence and a highly polarised society where custodians of culture continue to repress its citizens.

Traditional leadership in Masvingo province has continued to cause a stir by engaging in activities which are aimed at alienating all alleged opposition supporters chiefly, while blocking all political meetings and rallies by parties which are not Zanu PF. Mostly chief Serima has continued criminating and persecuting Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) councillors in Gutu West Ward 5 were Maxwell Mazambani was ordered to pay two goats and brew beer as customary payment for misdeeds of organising MDC rallies, failure would result in the expulsion of his family from chief Serima area of jurisdiction. Chief Serima and all other custodians of culture must be reminded that traditional leaders are community leaders with equal responsibilities and obligation to all members of their communities regardless of age, gender ethnicity, race, religion and political affiliation.

In Mwenezi East Ward 6 Vengai Chuma was threatened and intimidated by Headman Eliam Mungazi Chuma a ZANU PF official for associating himself with the MDC and has been barred and blacklisted from benefiting from the grain loan scheme further depriving citizens the right to food.

Meanwhile youths have continued to perpetrate violence in the form of intra party violence with two fatal incidents being recorded yesterday at Mucheke Chiefs hall. Youths have continued to be manipulated as noticed in the rampant fights that characterised the Daniel Shumba bid for re-election in the provincial structure and Jusby Omar led faction.

Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) calls for political tolerance and its multiplicity to enhance the chances of attaining a democratic society and level playing field ahead of possible general elections. COTRAD is calling for societal transformation and chiefs must commit themselves to political neutrality and co-existence of political activities in their communities. Youths must be encouraged to participate meaningfully on the national discourse and snub violence which has characterised the Zimbabwean community since 1980.

Visit the COTRAD fact sheet

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