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Gomoza peace concert update
Bulawayo Agenda
July 03, 2012

At least 1 500 people including children, youths and women thronged the Gomoza sports grounds on Saturday, 30 June 2012 to attended a peace concert organized by Lupane Agenda, a Bulawayo Agenda chapter. The activity was held under the Church and Civil Society (CCSF) banner.

The unique event and the first of its kind drew people from as far as Matshakayile ward - some forty (40) kilometers to see a live performance by Ndolwane Super Sounds and other groups. The groups, Ndolwane, KAISA and Victory Siyanqoba kept the crowed on their toes with songs that promote peace and tolerance in the community.

Traditional leaders as well as a ZANU PF councilor in the area gave strong messages on the need for the community to promote peace and development in the area. The atmosphere was fascinating as the traditional leaders took to the stage, a sign of jubilation and hope that this was the beginning towards a sense of community trust, tolerance and development.

Gomoza is one of the few areas in Matabeleland that experienced violence during the run up to the June 27 2008 run-off election. The area was also hard hit by the Gukurahundi genocide soon after independence in 1980 which claimed the lives of more than 20 000 people.

Part of the dignitaries at the concert included village heads, local church leaders, JOMIC officials, Minister of National Healing, Hon. Moses Mzila, Hwange and Victoria Falls MPs, Lupane Senator Dalumuzi Khumalo, Bulawayo Agenda Board and staff members and representatives of other Civic Society Organizations.

What they said . . .

We should learn to live together in peace despite differences in complexion, totems, the churches we go to and the political parties we support - Charles Ndebele, Ndolwane Supersounds.

The preparations of this concert has demonstrated that the people of Gomoza can work together despite their differences and I am positive that today seeds of peace and tolerance have been sowed - Local Councilor.

All we want here in Gomoza is peace that will lay the foundation for development - Former Gomoza Councillor, Tshuma.

The concert is a first of its kind in my constituency, Bulawayo Agenda should spread such activities to other areas and I am promising that even if such as concert is taken to Victoria Falls of Hwange, I shall attend just as MPs from the two areas are here with me today - Lupane Senator, Dalumuzi Khumalo.

The constitution making process is now at an advanced stage, we shall try as much as possible to make sure that people even in places as rural as Gomoza, access the draft constititution . . . the new constitution upholds democracy and safeguards the freedom of people to gather in the same manner as we are today - Hon Brian Tshuma, Copac Select Committee member.

We don't want a situation where people fight each other. We are all people of Matabeleland, we share the same culture and everything but then why do we fight each other - Hon Moses Mzila, co-Minister for National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration.

Pledge to tube Gomoza clinic . . .

One of the by-products of the peace concert on Saturday was the pledge by Minister of National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration to sponsor the electrification of Gomoza clinic which has existed for years without electricity.

The pledge comes at the heels of yet another promise by Minister of Water, Hon Samuel Siphepha Nkomo to ease the water woes in the area.

Increased activity in the area may lead to the development of Gomoza which is still lagging behind in terms of infrastructure as this will see locals interacting with key government officials.

Facts and figures about Gomoza

Gomoza is a communial ward in Lupane with an estimated population of 4 395 people. It is represented by a female councilor.

Education:

The 3 primary schools in this ward are known as Gomoza, Makeke and Nzalikwa. The schools are owned by council and were built before independence. The secondary school in the ward is known as Sibambene. It was built in 1984 and it offers education up to A' level. The school is also owned by Kusile Rural District Council.

Health:

There is one (1) clinic in Gomoza. It is owned by government and was built in 1983. The clinic has 1 maternity ward and 6 general beds.

Business Centres:

The only business centre in this ward is Gomoza. It has not yet been electrified and there is a police post, a GMB depot and a health centre nearby.

Dams/Boreholes:

There is 1 dam in this ward known as Sipemba. It provides drinking water to livestock and the surrounding community. There are also 29 boreholes and 9 deep wells of which more than 8 are not functioning.

Veterinary Services:

There are 3 dip tanks in this ward known as Gomoza, Sikhwehle and Nzalikwa and a nimal health centre at Gomoza.

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