Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) aspiring councillor for Ward 16, Carlson Ndlovu, has reassured Luveve and Gwabalanda residents that their political party is not tribal, nor will it discriminate against people should he be voted into office.
Ndlovu was responding to concerns raised by a resident who asked whether the party would not prioritize Mthwakazi people over everyone else if he became a councillor.
“Your party is a tribal one. How will you canvass for votes from everyone when you prioritize the Mthwakazi? I fear you may be a danger to society because when you get voted into power you may serve the Ndebele people only. Will you not segregate Shona people? What assurance are you giving us that you will accommodate everyone equally?” the resident inquired.
But Ndlovu dispelled the fears, stating that MRP has the best interests of all residents.
Ndlovu explained that Matabeleland is one province which houses the widest variety of tribes because it is accommodating in nature in comparison to other provinces.
“We are not a dangerous party. We are not discriminatory. If we were, I would not have come here at all. I would not have represented Luveve, because we would only be interested in Mthwakazi people. Because of growth and maturity, we accept everyone. If a man from the Ndlovu family marries from Chigumira, the child is a Ndlovu. We are all growing like that,” Ndlovu said.
“We don’t regard people according to tribe. Matabeleland houses the widest number of tribes, about 13. We do not segregate Shona people. How many Ndebele people are in Mashonaland? And how many Shona people are in Matabeleland? We are very welcoming of all tribes but for us, the people of Mthwakazi, it is almost difficult to be welcomed in other places. As MRP, we represent everyone who is in the Matabeleland area.”
The residents said they want a councillor who will address the people’s concerns in a uniform manner and one who will not segregate people according to political affiliations.
Other candidates who were present at the meeting were Geater Gumede of CCC and Benita Dube of MDC-T, who both promised to push for development in the ward and address various challenges faced by residents.
