Devolution will benefit the whole country

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Devolution will benefit the whole country – Mutambara

Written by Zenzo Ncube

Wednesday, 28 July 2010 09:30

Zimbabwean Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara (pictured) says devolution will benefit the whole of Zimbabwe - contrary to some who think it is a Matabeleland self-government agenda. Speaking in London last week Mutambara said devolution was an international standard that would bring about an equitable distribution of resources to all Zimbabweans who have been deliberately sidelined and disadvantaged since independence.

He cited the USA, the United Kingdom, and South Africa as examples of devolved administrations and successful economies. “If there are diamonds in Marange, processing plants and mills must be built in Marange and the jobs must go to the local people. If there is coal in Hwange, the locals must benefit from jobs and industries in their region,” he explained.

Mutambara said that it was clear that the Matabeleland region was underdeveloped. He attributed this largely to the conflict during 1982 to 1987, codenamed Operation Gukurahundi, (Wash out the trash) where tens of thousands of innocent Zimbabweans were massacred by Mugabe’s 5th brigade. “There is no way you can develop an area when there is a war in that region. We all know why there is a highway in Zvimba and not in Nkayi,” he said to laughter from the audience.

Mutambara challenged Zimbabweans of the current generation to deliver for their country irrespective of their political differences. He questioned the judgement behind those who criticise him and “brother” Morgan Tsvangirai for working with Mugabe. “I can tell you that Morgan Tsvangirai and Mugabe drink tea together every Monday,” said Mutambara. “ZAPU and ZANU fought side by side to remove Ian Smith. The generation of Dabengwa and Tongogara delivered 1980, what will your generation deliver?” he asked.

The opposition ZAPU and other civic organisations are calling for devolution to be enshrined in the new constitution. ZAPU has made it clear that any new constitution without devolution and proportional representation would be unacceptable and opposed. - Zenzo Ncube is Secretary For Marketing & Communication for ZAPU in Europe.

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