ZIM: MRP BLAST MNANGAGWA
Wednesday, 03 July 2024
Outraged and Furious: Mthwakazi Republic Party Condemns President Mnangagwa’s Tribalistic Dismissal of Hon. Simelisizwe Sibanda
The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) is outraged and shocked over President Mnangagwa’s decision to dismiss Deputy Minister of Education, Simelisizwe Sibanda, for advocating for the transfer of a Shona-speaking ECD teacher Winnet Mharadze a female teacher at Clonnmore Primary School ( Bubi District)in Matabeleland North. This incident highlights the Government and Ministry of Education’s inconsistent implementation of its own policy, which prioritizes teaching in mother languages. In a 2023 interview, Ministry Permanent Secretary Tumisang Thabela emphasized the importance of deploying teachers proficient in local languages, acknowledging past mistakes and promising to address the issue. However, the dismissal of Sibanda and the continued deployment of non-Ndebele speaking teachers in Matabeleland suggest a contradictory approach, perpetuating linguistic and cultural marginalization.
Mnangagwa’s actions highlight a disturbing trend of disregarding the linguistic and cultural rights of the Ndebele nation. The decision to prioritize the needs of a single Shona teacher over the education and well-being of over forty Ndebele children speaks volumes about the systemic issues perpetuating language and cultural divisions in the region.
This incident is not an isolated occurrence but rather a symptom of larger injustices faced by the Matabele people. Mnangagwa’s history of marginalizing and persecuting the Matabele community further demonstrates his tribalistic tendencies and disregard for their rights.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of linguistic and cultural manipulation, as outlined in the ZanuPF Grand Plan of 1979 and its review documents. The plan prioritizes Shona as the dominant language, marginalizing other languages and cultures. Shona is promoted as the lingua franca, permeating various sectors, including government, education, and healthcare. This deliberate effort aims to establish Shona as the primary mode of communication, suppressing linguistic diversity. Ndebele children are forced to adapt to a secondary language status, confined to personal spheres or casual communication. This linguistic hegemony perpetuates harmful stereotypes, reinforces systemic inequalities, and undermines cultural preservation.
A 1979 ZanuPF publication reveals a disturbing narrative of linguistic and cultural suppression. The author celebrates the dominance of the Shona language and culture, while disparaging the Ndebele people and language. The text boasts about the spread of Shona language and culture, even in Matabeleland, and gloates about the decline of Ndebele. It also quotes a shocking statement by Nathan Shamuyarira from the “Grand Plan” of 1979, advocating for the deprivation of education to weaken the Ndebele people. This rhetoric perpetuates harmful ethnic tensions and linguistic imperialism, aiming to erase Ndebele identity and impose Shona as the sole national language. The language used is divisive, condescending, and intimidating, targeting those who resist this cultural takeover of which MP Simelisizwe Sibanda is no exception.
During his election campaign, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s slogan, ‘Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,’ revealed a sinister intent. This phrase, translated to ‘A country is built by its owners,’ hints at a dangerous and exclusionary mindset. It implies that only a select group, deemed the ‘rightful owners,’ have the privilege of shaping the nation, while others are relegated to secondary status. This rhetoric echoes the harmful narrative of tribal supremacy, perpetuating division and marginalization. In the context of Zimbabwe’s complex history, this slogan effectively disenfranchises minority groups, entrenching the dominance of the Shona majority. Mnangagwa’s adoption of this slogan betrays his complicity in the systemic suppression of diversity, solidifying his regime’s commitment to linguistic and cultural hegemony.
The strategic deployment of Shona speakers across Matabeleland indicates a calculated strategy to consolidate influence and power. This entrenched approach prioritizes Shona supremacy, diminishing the significance and utility of Ndebele. The far-reaching implications of linguistic manipulation and discrimination must be recognized.
The extinction of our Ndebele representatives, culture, and language is a devastating blow to our very essence and identity. The involvement of Emmerson Mnangagwa in this cultural annihilation is deplorable, as he endorses a Shona teacher who is unable to communicate with over forty Ndebele children. This teacher’s ineptitude in their language makes her unsuitable to guide their futures. We are indignant, repulsed, and disheartened by this blatant disregard for our linguistic legacy. The degradation of our pride and integrity serves as a harsh reminder of the ongoing systemic oppression we endure. This heartless and atrocious act is a grim reflection of the historic persecutions of the Ndebele nation, dating back to the tragic Gukurahundi genocide which claimed the lives of over 40,000 innocent civilians, and displaced millions more, fueled by tribal animosity and aimed at eradicating the Ndebele people.
The removal of MP Simelisizwe Sibanda from his ministerial position is merely a cosmetic move, as the deeply ingrained system persists in marginalizing our language and culture. Those who courageously challenge this oppressive status quo in Matabeleland face severe consequences, exemplifying the regime’s contempt for our basic rights. However, when a Shona person perpetuates the same discrimination against a Ndebele or minority ethnic group, it is met with silence or impunity. This double standard is starkly reminiscent of Energy Mutodi’s inflammatory remarks on 05 September 2019, where he labelled Ndebele people as “foreigners” and suggested they should receive refugee treatment. Despite the treasonous nature of his statement, he faced no repercussions, highlighting the regime’s blatant bias and hypocrisy.
Despite being coerced into issuing a public apology, Simelisizwe Sibanda’s courageous stance as a champion of Ndebele rights and his efforts to align the Ministry’s actions with its own policy documents are truly commendable. His willingness to challenge the status quo and fight for the rights of his people, even from within the regime, demonstrates remarkable courage and conviction. His actions have inspired many and will not be forgotten, even if he was forced to apologize for standing up for what is right.
In Pursuit of Justice and Peace During Our Lifetime
Sisonke Sibambene Singumthwakazi Sesikulungisa
Prepared and Presented by Mqondisi Moyo, President of Mthwakazi Republic Party
