By Revesai Mavetera
Zanu PF Matabeleland South provincial chairperson, Mangaliso Ndlovu, has sparked outrage and condemnation from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party and the citizens of Zimbabwe for his derogatory remarks. Ndlovu referred to CCC members as ‘cockroaches,’ a statement that has resurfaced painful memories of the Gukurahundi genocide that occurred in the Matabeleland and Midlands Provinces during the 1980s. This dark chapter in history resulted in the loss of over 20,000 innocent civilian lives at the hands of the state security forces under the ZANU PF government.
Ndlovu’s offensive comments were made during a Zanu PF rally at Nyele Primary in Bulilima District. He boasted about the alleged organizational strength of Zanu PF in Matabeleland South province, highlighting the absence of independent candidates within their ranks. In a contemptuous manner, he belittled the CCC members by comparing them to the ‘Convention for Confused Cockroaches,’ implying their unsuitability for leadership positions even at the village level, let alone the country.
The genocidal sentiments expressed by Ndlovu echo the recent remarks of Zanu PF’s Vice President, Constantine Chiwenga, who stated that the CCC must be crushed like lice. These incendiary statements by high-ranking party officials are deeply concerning as they undermine the principles of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for human rights.
In response to Ndlovu’s comments, Fadzayi, the spokesperson for the CCC, expressed profound dismay. Fadzayi criticized Zanu PF for resorting to derogatory language and drawing parallels with a province that endured a horrific genocide. She described Zanu PF’s labeling of CCC members as cockroaches as a dangerous and unconstitutional low.
It is evident that the CCC is gaining significant support in Matebeleland, and Zanu PF’s resort to offensive language and violence highlights their fear of the CCC’s potential victory.
