Matemadanda calls for tolerance, unity of purpose

Norman Dururu

GWERU – ZANU-PF Political Commissar Victor Matemadanda has called on political parties to be tolerant and work together so that Zimbabwe becomes a middle income economy by 2030.

Speaking during the national clean up campaign held in Gweru recently, Matemadanda who is also Defence deputy minister, said working together brings about development.

“Political parties should know that unity and working together brings development.

“We can never go forward as a country when there are others who do not want to go forward,” he said.

Matemadanda said MDC councillors had been allowed to run Gweru City Council because they had won elections and their party and leadership should also let those that won in other areas do the same.

“The MDC should admit where they lost…they are leading us in this clean-up campaign because they won Gweru. This shows people are united and they should also acknowledge in areas that they lost,” he said in reference to the 2018 Presidential election which was won by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The Defence deputy minister said when elections are finished, people should unite and start working for the country.

“We cannot be stopped from developing the country by one person,” he said.

Matemadanda said Zimbabwe had been milked dry during the First Republic but it was time to make amends by supporting the informal sector.

“Our economy should be people oriented and youths, women and vendors should be empowered.

“Vendors are now driving the economy and they should not be fought.”

Matemadanda said those calling on stay aways were non-governmental organisations who are paid in hard currency and vendors should ignore such calls as they end up not doing business on the said days.

He warned businesses that were profiteering saying they would soon take the suffering masses to have a showdown with the business owners.

Matemadanda, who is also Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association secretary general, also warned pharmacies and commuter omnibus operators who are charging exorbitant prices to stop the practice.

He warned people working in parastatals like the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to shun corruption.

“You cannot be half corrupt and half honest. It is either you are corrupt or you are straight,” he said.