The MDC Matabeleland North and Bulawayo provincial structures who have hitherto been at daggers drawn have decided to smoke the peace pipe – for now at least – in support of dethroned Ntabazinduna traditional leader, Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni.
The two camps both confirmed to The Standard in separate interviews last week that they will jointly organise a solidarity rally in support of Chief Ndiweni. Bulawayo spokesperson Swithern Chiroodza said:
We had a meeting with Matabeleland North and other individuals from Matabeleland South province where we agreed to try and converge to have a solidarity rally for Ndiweni.
The date of the solidarity rally is not yet set, but we are very sure that the party will be offering solidarity to him. Even during the liberation struggle, people supported progressive chiefs and it is incumbent upon the MDC to support the progressive ideas of Chief Ndiweni.
When it comes to violence, Gukurahundi and the general civil strife that Zimbabweans face, Ndiweni is found condemning those and it’s so much unlike chiefs from Mashonaland who participate in the murder of fellow countrymen by taking orders from the ruling party to starve villagers who do not toe the Zanu PF political line.
And so if a chief condemns such kind of Stalinism, and evil deeds, that chief, in this case, Chief Ndiweni, truly deserves our support.
Bulawayo Province is alleged to be behind party chairperson Thabita Khumalo while Mat’ North backs rebel-cum-vice president Welshman Ncube.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year dethroned the outspoken chief following a recommendation by the Matabeleland North Council of Chiefs.