ZAPU’s MP candidate for Beitbridge West, Thoriso Moyo, believes the country needs leadership that can unify people, instead of fostering divisions which have worsened their economic and social conditions.
Moyo (64), along with Thusani Ndou of Zanu PF, Brendan Blessing Dube, an independent candidate, Blessing Choeni and Morah Ncube both from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), will compete in the December 9 by-elections for Beitbridge West constituency.
The Manama-born ZAPU candidate, a former ZPRA military instructor who trained liberation fighters, lamented how Zimbabweans are yet to reap the benefits of independence because “Zanu’s mismanagement of the country derailed the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle.”
“I am contesting in the by-elections because I realised people need capable leadership that listens and represents them fully. There is no unity in this country because the Zanu government has failed to unite people and once leadership fails to unite people, no development can come,” she said.
Moyo claimed while the 1987 Unity Accord was hailed as a symbol of unity, it did not achieve the desired effect in Zimbabwe because Zanu PF had the upper hand and ruled the country with an iron fist, stifling other political players.
“Let’s not be fooled, there is unity in the country. People need devolution and as a ZAPU candidate, I am pushing for it so that people realise what devolution means for their livelihoods. Zanu believes in centralisation so it can continue holding onto power, not wanting people to be in control,” she said.
“We see how (President) Mnangagwa is amassing power to his family, power that should be shared in the country. This is painful because we did not fight for this selfishness.”
Having been grounded by ZAPU, Moyo claimed if elected, she would speak and represent people in her constituency well.
“I know that knowledge lies in power and power lies with the people. That’s why ZAPU’s slogan is amandla kawayehle aye’bantwini. People need to have freedom economically, socially and politically,” she said.
“Everyone now is trying to share a torn blanket, yet there should be enough blankets for everyone. ZAPU is saying this could be possible and this is why I am rising up to contest.”
The ZAPU candidate also remarked she would make an effective legislator because she began assisting marginalised people when she was a small girl.
Moyo described how, as she grew up, she watched how one of her maternal aunts, who could not walk due to disabilities was neglected until one day, she went to the river, fetched water and bathed her.
“Everyone was amazed at what I had done and that brought me closer to my aunt who then would inform me of her afflictions that I tried to help her with. That’s when I realised the Lord had blessed me with a nurturing ability which has stuck with me since then,” she said.
