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Thursday, May 22, 2008
MY SHORT STAY IN SOUTH AFRICA
I first went to South Africa passing through into Swaziland to look for a nursing job.I had no intention of staying there i had no love for the place it just felt so allien to me maybe thats the feeling you get when one gets to a new place. Call me naive. As i had no place to stay in Swaziland and the stay was expensive since i had to convert my Zimkwatshas into rands, and Malangenis. That meant i could go to KwaNgwane for a few days then back to Jozi.
During my short stay in Jozi i was one morning mugged in broad daylight at 100hrs in the morning had a cellphone and the last ten rand i had in my pocket rudely taken away from me in broad day light in full view of the public. For the first time in my life i had the police stop me get a dog out of a car for me and i searched.The search felt like the deepest invasion of privacy i have evr encountered in my life. i felt like i had been rapped. These were the most traumatic six months in my life. I suffered from post traumatic stress disorder i got very paranoid when somebody ws walking behind me, i felt jittery even though i knew who was walking behind me, i was loosing my mind. I got missed by a kombi in the city centre near the small street exit , thats when i looked at my life and saw that i was no longer who i was.
I remember visiting this friend of a friend he seemed to be doing well he rented a single bedroomed flat by himself, had a big flat screen tv, and a big hi-fi system and a fridge. What he said, made me re-evaluate my situation and think twice about where i was falling into.He told me that if you are a professional, and when you get to jozi, you see yourself drowning untill you get to a point where you decide to get any job that comes your way, go back home and start a new, otherwise your years of training will be a waste.That hit home as i had swapped my nurse's unifrom and skills for a shovel and mortar mixing skills. I went home the following weekend and started to aply for jobs in Australia got a job and left Zimbabwe for Aus i have not looked back ever since.
Why i am writting this is because of the sad scenario that we find ourselves ,and other fellow Zimbabweans in today. We are talking of 22 people dead to date the number has not stopped rising. We find learned people who were forced by the unrewarding enviroment in the Zimbabwean workplace to move to SA, being killed and maimed by the scam of this earth just because they were not born in SA. It is a sad scenario.Even here in Australia there is no gurantee of safety, just last weekend there were racist pamphelets posted in maill boxes targerting AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS in Sydney.So dire are our straits that we are damned if we stay put at our motherland and still damned if we leave.
This is a sad scenario that only us understand. I know fully well that most of the people live in SA because they have no choice. Our prayers are with you guys in SA MAY THE LORD SHOW THE LIGHT TO THOSE PERSECUTORS.WE PRAY THAT WE MAY ALL BE SAVED FROM THIS PAINFULL EPISODE. WE FEEL YOUR PAIN AS WE SEE SOME OF YOU GUYS IN THE VIDEOS AND PICTURES I CANNOT HELP BUT WONDER WHY WE HEARD WE HAD TO BE REDUCED TO SUCH. ONLY GOD CAN SHOW US THE WAY NOW.
During my short stay in Jozi i was one morning mugged in broad daylight at 100hrs in the morning had a cellphone and the last ten rand i had in my pocket rudely taken away from me in broad day light in full view of the public. For the first time in my life i had the police stop me get a dog out of a car for me and i searched.The search felt like the deepest invasion of privacy i have evr encountered in my life. i felt like i had been rapped. These were the most traumatic six months in my life. I suffered from post traumatic stress disorder i got very paranoid when somebody ws walking behind me, i felt jittery even though i knew who was walking behind me, i was loosing my mind. I got missed by a kombi in the city centre near the small street exit , thats when i looked at my life and saw that i was no longer who i was.
I remember visiting this friend of a friend he seemed to be doing well he rented a single bedroomed flat by himself, had a big flat screen tv, and a big hi-fi system and a fridge. What he said, made me re-evaluate my situation and think twice about where i was falling into.He told me that if you are a professional, and when you get to jozi, you see yourself drowning untill you get to a point where you decide to get any job that comes your way, go back home and start a new, otherwise your years of training will be a waste.That hit home as i had swapped my nurse's unifrom and skills for a shovel and mortar mixing skills. I went home the following weekend and started to aply for jobs in Australia got a job and left Zimbabwe for Aus i have not looked back ever since.
Why i am writting this is because of the sad scenario that we find ourselves ,and other fellow Zimbabweans in today. We are talking of 22 people dead to date the number has not stopped rising. We find learned people who were forced by the unrewarding enviroment in the Zimbabwean workplace to move to SA, being killed and maimed by the scam of this earth just because they were not born in SA. It is a sad scenario.Even here in Australia there is no gurantee of safety, just last weekend there were racist pamphelets posted in maill boxes targerting AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS in Sydney.So dire are our straits that we are damned if we stay put at our motherland and still damned if we leave.
This is a sad scenario that only us understand. I know fully well that most of the people live in SA because they have no choice. Our prayers are with you guys in SA MAY THE LORD SHOW THE LIGHT TO THOSE PERSECUTORS.WE PRAY THAT WE MAY ALL BE SAVED FROM THIS PAINFULL EPISODE. WE FEEL YOUR PAIN AS WE SEE SOME OF YOU GUYS IN THE VIDEOS AND PICTURES I CANNOT HELP BUT WONDER WHY WE HEARD WE HAD TO BE REDUCED TO SUCH. ONLY GOD CAN SHOW US THE WAY NOW.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
From Prim's desk
Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: Representing the Plight of the People of Matabeleland
Who we are? – Our introductory Message and Announcement
We are working as a body called Umhlahlo we Sizwe sika Mthwakazi - The brainchild of the victims of Matabeleland – a people who have endured one of the worst Government sponsored cruelty, ethnic cleansing, suppression and torture- carried out by the Mugabe-ZANU PF Regime of Zimbabwe Agents.
Umhlahlo we Sizwe is an umbrella body of Civic Groups and all Activists of Matabeleland who united in the cause of the truth, morality and justice for all nationals: to help all affected people – ‘Matabeleland minority Groups of all Tribes and Races’.
The Announcement - Requesting immediate Release to the public:
We are requesting all Media and Press Organisations, Groups and individual Journalists to help us publicise our below stated *position ‘preferably before the Zimbabwe Elections of the 29th March 2008.
Our *Position concerning the Zimbabwe Elections due on 29 March 2008 Speaking on behalf of Umhlahlo we Sizwe sika Mthwakazi, our *position concerning the Zimbabwe Election process is that: - We, the people of Matabeleland of all Tribes and Races, wish to make it known that we have nothing to do with the above Zimbabwe Elections.
However we support and wish the huge population of Zimbabwe which now lives in Matabeleland all the best; even as we support all helpless hurting people of Zimbabwe (a country which is also known as Mashonaland) – wishing success. There is a huge population of people from Mashonaland who live in Matabeleland: and we shall always support them whenever we can, in their good attempts.
We also wish if only provisions, in many more countries, should have been created to help Zimbabweans (or Mashonaland nationals) enabling them the environment or premises to Vote: So that (as we have done in Matabeleland) the people from Mashonaland could have been given a chance to make their contribution towards determining the direction of their country – i.e. by being able to vote from wherever they may be outside their country: Considering the fact that millions of them now live abroad outside their country Zimbabwe (or Mashonaland). This help could have been best created in Countries where this population is concentrated; like Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and in the UK: Sadly, the UN and concerned host countries have been silent about enabling the large population of the people of Mashonaland the ability to Vote from these countries. End of Our Announcement.
The Invitation to members of the Press
We wish to inform and invite you to attend our Press Conference which is called to highlight the Plight of the people of Matabeleland And launching the Campaign seeking support and assistance for the Process through which we seek redress.
Pointers to the Press Conference Message are: - (I. & II.)
I. The Remedy to address the Plight of the People of Matabeleland
II. SECURITY 1. Security for the victimised and traumatised people of Matabeleland Due to lack of security, people of Matabeleland, our elders and leaders cannot freely speak – not even about this course of action we are now taking.
2. Security for members of the Press and all professional Media services a. We all know that most Media Bodies have, for a number of years, been officially forbidden by the Mugabe-ZANU PF-Zimbabwe Regime, banned from carrying out Media coverage of whatever has been happening - affecting the people of Matabeleland. b. We, the people of Matabeleland, believe in freedom of the Press. c. And we consider the Media / Press services crucial and helpful to human development and key to every country’s economic success. d. The banning of Press Freedom is a very concerning and discomforting matter to us: and we consider the whole secretive activities detrimental, dangerous and disadvantageous to the survival of the people of Matabeleland.
3. Security for Development - is crucial to us
4. Security for Private Property: Considering many of us have been officially robbed
5. Security for Investment and Security for Investors
6. Security for Tourists and for all foreign nationals
Objectives of the Press Conference We are appealing for assistance and seek support as we embark on a Process - (which shall be covered at the Press Conference) - through which we seek redress to end the humiliating predicament in which we find ourselves.
We (the people of Matabeleland) have endured the worst traumatising experience over a period of no less than 11 decades: (87 years under the Oppressive and Racial Regimes, succeeded in 1980 by the worst Mugabe-ZANU PF Iron-fist rule, which, for almost 30years now - has continued to perpetrate the worst cruel methods upon us using the majority Shona Tribe.
The presenter of this document / Representative of the Process
My name is Sithabiso Primrose Ncube: I am the External Envoy at International level -representing our cause - and presenting the remedy and Process towards addressing the Plight of the People of Matabeleland).
Once again may we appeal to members of the Press / Media, to help publicise our message - of making our *position clear to the International Community - particularly before the end of the Zimbabwe Election process.
Your assistance in announcing the above, your attendance to our Press Conference and your support shall for-ever be sincerely appreciated.
Thank you
Yours faithfully For - The Restoration of the Kingdom of Matabeleland
Ms Sithabiso Primrose Ncube External Envoy
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Mbudzi and the Fifth brigade Qhopheni responds to Tsuro
I UNDERSTAND TSURO'S anxiety seeing how high ranking his friend will be should Simba win the election.What we are seeing here is a replay of the politics of patronage Tsuro is leaking Mbudzi's boots. Can Tsuro tell us who trained Mbudzi, what style of training. Can Tsuro confirm that he was with Mbudzi all the time the killings were going on, can he tell us that he was with him all the nights, which was the favourate hunting time for the brigade.Tsuro the time to defend your friend has not yet come it shall come relax yourself. Moyo is not a leader of the Victims he is part of them. The only way to positively contribute to finding lasting peace to the victims is to give out the evidence against those that you say are well known to have done the killings as you ask of Moyo. You may rant as much as you like about Moyo's public and personal life, need i remind you that both men served under a ZANU led govt, Moyo in the information sector almost 14yrs after the killings and Mbudzi served in the infamous red baretted Zanu gvt killing machine. So in the court of public opion both man are just as bad, Mbudzi might have not slept in a five star hotel with a bill footed by tax payers but he, took care of the social needs of the fifth brigade so they would kill with a clear mind with no social issues clouding their minds. They killed effectively because their social lives were under control you know what i mean.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
THE PROCLAMATION OF UMHLAHLO WE SIZWE SIKA MTHWAKAZI
THE PROCLAMATION OF UMHLAHLO WE SIZWE SIKA MTHWAKAZI
KNOW IT ALL PEOPLE OF THE WORLD THAT:
“In view of the survival crisis stemming from the tribal domination of the minority population of Matabeleland, by the ruling government which draws its overwhelming backing from the majority tribe of Mashonaland and preserves the absolute and exclusive privileges for them at the expense of the overwhelmed people of Matabeleland, and;
In view of the resounding outcry by the victims of the survival crisis for a patriotic intervention to address the question of Matabeleland by a popular vote of no confidence against oppression and suppression and get commit to freedom and social justice, and;
In view of the indisputable civil rights of the people of Matabeleland to the entitlement of self-determination, and to assert their equal rights and human dignity in the global village;
Umhlaho wesi Sizwe sika Mthwakazi is being proclaimed as a freedom front to eradicate the oppression and suppression of the people of Matabeleland along the tribal lines. Umhlahlo shall not be a political party and has no programme of contesting elections because the people of Matabeleland have no freedom to govern themselves. Instead Umhlahlo is a community umbrella of the Inter-Cultural Society of Matabeleland which is committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is a non-violent community rooted umbrella of all the suppressed people regardless of partisan, ethnicity, creed, gender, class or age. Its membership is free to individuals, groups, institutions and associations who adhere to the principles of justice and humanitarianism”.
The Background of Umhlahlo.
Umhlahlo is the brainchild of the victims of the suppression of the minorities of Matabeleland. Matabeleland is the western territory of Zimbabwe which was an independent kingdom until 04 November1893 when it was conquered by the British South Africa Company without the authority of the British Head of state Queen Victoria. The invasion of Matabeleland by Rhodes violated the of Treaty of Peace and Unity between the Great White Queen of England and the Mighty Elephant of Matabeleland which was signed by King Lobengula and Rev John Moffat on 11 February 1888 and committed Britain to defend Matabeleland, if attacked. Lord Salisbury authorized Sir Robbin Hercules to ratify it on 25 April 1888. Queen Victoria tried to abide by the Treaty when King Lobengula protested about BAS Company aggression (... the Queen wishes Lo Bengela to understand distinctly that Englishmen who have gone out to Matabeleland to ask leave to dig for stones have not gone with the Queen’s authority, and that he should not believe any statement by` them or any of them to that effect ... It is not wise to put too much power into the hands of the men who come first, and to exclude other deserving men. A King gives a stranger an ox, not his whole herd of cattle; otherwise what would other strangers arriving have to eat ... The Queen said to King Lobengula through the Lord Knutsford, the colonial secretaries’ letter of 26 March 1889) In August 1894 when the King protested to the Queen about the killing of the people of Matabeleland by the BSA Company mercenaries, she replied the British High Commissioner in the Cape Sir Henry Lock that: (You can tell the King from me I have no intentions of invading his country or dragging him into war) From London the new Colonial Secretary Lord Ripon cabled to Sir Henry Loch that Jameson Should be told that the Company policy commandants should be told: (Their duty is to defend the occupied territory and Her Majesty’s government cannot support them in any aggression) On 11 November 1894 after Matabeleland had been conquered, the British government sent Maj Good-Adams the commander of the Bechuanaland Mounted Police with orders to prevent Jameson from distributing the land, gold and the looted royal head of cattle of Matabeleland to his mercenaries. In 1943 the British Crown did repatriate Prince Nguboentsha who been exiled to the Cape since 1893 to come and restore the Kingdom of Matabeleland but the BSA Company remnants thwarted the exercise.
Mashonaland the present oppressor of Matabeleland had been colonized peacefully by the same company three years earlier on 12 September 1890. Subsequently in 1923 the British government assumed the responsibility of ruling the two territories under the constitution of Southern Rhodesia which exercised an informal union.
In 1980 Britain granted independence to Southern Rhodesia with majority rule status. A black government with an overwhelming support of the majority tribe of Mashonaland was formed and it has ruled the country for the past 27 years. This government has ruled the people of Matabeleland with reign of terror, committed serious crimes against humanity and preserved absolute and exclusive privileges for the majority Shona people. Hence Matabeleland is plunged in the survival crisis.
Consequently the people of Matabeleland through their community structures and traditional means of communication have echoed an outcry for a patriotic intervention to address the survival crisis. This outcry has translated into the proclamation of Umhlahlo as the popular freedom front for intervening against the oppression and suppression of the people of Matabeleland.
The forms of oppression in Matabeleland.
a) Marginalization of the Elected MPs of Matabeleland.
b) Instituting the Reign of Terror in Matabeleland.
c) Perpetrated ethnic cleansing against the People of Matabeleland.
d) Translocation of the Economic Resources of Matabeleland to Mashonaland.
e) Reserving Key Jobs for the Shona People in Matabeleland.
f) Depriving Education Opportunities to the People of Matabeleland.
g) Retarding the Cultural Identity of the Inter-Cultural Society of Matabeleland. (See the political history of Matabeleland for details).
The unjust treatment of the people of Matabeleland by our fellow African brothers and sisters constitutes a parting insult. We are not being separated by ethnic diversity of our nature; but by their attitude of treating the people as underdogs just because their population is smaller than theirs. That has become unbearable and irreconcilable. It is the only option of preventing recourse as a last resort to rebellion against tyranny and oppression. Furthermore disassociating ourselves from Mashonaland does not constitute secession because there is no legal treaty which binds Mashonaland and Matabeleland as union, (e.g. The United Kingdom is bound by the treaty of 1801 which created the union of Great Britain and Ireland and was sealed by the Union Jack. While the Union of South Africa was forged by the treat of the union of Transvaal, Orange Free State, Natal and the Cape Colony on 31 May 1910.) But our informal union was just a common understanding based on Pan-Africanism between the territories which were under the same colonial power. There is no jurisdiction tying Matabeleland to Mashonaland whatsoever.
The Mission of Uhlahlo.
“Umhlahlo stands to eradicate the suppression of the people of Matabeleland on tribal bases and set us free”.
The Aims and Objectives of Umhlahlo.
“The basic aim of Umhlaho is to forge the solidarity of the people of Matabeleland in order to address their grievances with a single voice. The fundamental objectives of Umhlahlo are to revoke marginalization of the people of Matabeleland and to invoke freedom in order for the people to exercise their rights of self determination with the safeguard of the minority groups”. (See the Constitution of Umhlahlo for details).
The Administration of Umhlaho.
“Umhlahlo is a community rooted umbrella of the of the oppressed and suppressed grassroots masses of Matabeleland, born from the resounding outcry for popular intervention to address the survival crisis. It has no authoritative leadership nor a master, but it is being spearheaded by the highly powered servants of the people who are delegated with the mission to address the survival crisis and transfer the political power from the oppressors into the hands of the whole people of Matabeleland who will form their chosen transitional government and draft their own democratic constitution. Umhlahlo is a patriotic community rooted voice of eradicating the suppression of the people of Matabeleland”. (See the programme of Umhlahlo for details)
The Immediate Task of Umhlahlo.
“The outcry of the people of Matabeleland has been translated into the community rooted umbrella voice of all the people. The loyal servants of the people have accepted the challenge and taken the patriotic assignment to serve the oppressed people by spearheading Umhlahlo. The immediate task of all the suppressed masses is to forge a strong solidarity with their loyal servants who are spearheading Umhlahlo and cooperate voluntary in all the ways and means in intervening to address the survival crisis in Matabeleland. The spearheading servants are earnestly appealing to everybody to support the patriotic cause either physically or mentally, in cash or kind, big or small. The single aim is to support the patriotic struggle, not the personalities who are spearheading Umhlahlo. The task of Umhlahlo rests on everybody’s shoulders. A win, is a win for all. We all have something to add!”
The Rv vnbole of the Citizens in the Diasporas.
“Brothers and sisters of Matabeleland, where ever you are; the home is best. Matabeleland needs you both during the struggle against the suppression of the minority by Mashonaland and during the building of a free Matabeleland. You are duty bound to give the interests of Matabeleland an uppermost priority and participate in the patriotic intervention of the survival crisis in our homeland; physically or mentally, in cash or kind, big or small. Your massage is that the task of Umhlahlo rests on everybody’s shoulders. A win, is a win for all. We all have something to add!”
The Appeal to the International Community.
“We the people of Matabeleland are plunged in the survival crisis stemming from the suppression of the minorities of Matabeleland by the majority of Mashonaland. As we wage our peaceful struggle for freedom; we are earnestly appealing for your humanitarian support morally, materially as well as technical advice. We accept aid without strings which infringe the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights, big or small we appreciate whole heartedly”.
The Appeal to the People of Mashonaland.
Please do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. We totally agree with you when you say that: “Blair keep your England and we shall keep our Zimbabwe”. But we go further to say that: “Mugabe keep your Zimbabwe (Mashonaland) and we shall keep our Matabeleland”.
The Theme of Umhlahlo.
“Set us free and leave us alone. We ask nobody as our master.
The Freedom Charter of Matabeleland.
“Our free Homeland of Matabeleland shall be an Inter-Cultural Society based on the self-determination of all the people of the community, expressing the popular will of all the sections of the community and endowed with the safeguard for the minority groups. Free Matabeleland shall be committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
a) There shall be political democracy which guarantees the government of the people, by the people and for the people themselves.
b) There shall be the rule of law which shall bind all the offices and institutions of the land and ensure that all the people are equal before the law.
c) The respect for the human dignity and tolerance for diverse points of view which do not infringe the Universal Declaration of Human Rights shall be enforced in the free homeland.
d) There shall be a policy of public relations on the basis of truth, justice and morality as our attitude towards each other and the rest of mankind.
e) The national wealth of Matabeleland shall be managed with transparency to ensure a fair distribution, exchange and consumption of the country’s products.
f) The cultural identities of all the Nationalities of Matabeleland shall be promoted by the state and all the languages which are used as mother tongues by the local communities shall be graded as official languages which shall be taught in the relevant education institutions up to the highest level of learning and used in the mass media of the land.
g) All the central government, local authorities and the business institutions shall operate ethically, according to approved standards in order to satisfy the consumer expectations.
h) The occupation opportunities shall be allocated according merit and the government shall be obliged to widen career development and create sufficient chance for the whole community.
i) All the elected representatives of Matabeleland shall be delegated with the mandate of their constituencies to which they shall be accountable, and shall be constitutionally liable to be recalled with a vote of no confidence if need arises.
j) A free Homeland of Matabeleland shall respect the international law and its relations with other nations shall be based on the principles of non-alignment and non-interference on other state’s affairs”.
THUS DONE UMHLAHLO IS FORGING AHEAD TO ADDRERSS THE QUESTION OF MATABELELAND FACE TO FACE WITH THE OPPRESIVE REGIME OF ZIMBABWE.
IT’S NOW OR NEVER!
Do it alone; Do it together. Winners Never Quit: Quitters Never Win.
Procaimed by the spearheading National Executive Committee of Umhlahlo we Sizwe sika Mthwakazi on ……………………………..2007 at Bulawayo as a resolution of the people of Matabeleland.
KNOW IT ALL PEOPLE OF THE WORLD THAT:
“In view of the survival crisis stemming from the tribal domination of the minority population of Matabeleland, by the ruling government which draws its overwhelming backing from the majority tribe of Mashonaland and preserves the absolute and exclusive privileges for them at the expense of the overwhelmed people of Matabeleland, and;
In view of the resounding outcry by the victims of the survival crisis for a patriotic intervention to address the question of Matabeleland by a popular vote of no confidence against oppression and suppression and get commit to freedom and social justice, and;
In view of the indisputable civil rights of the people of Matabeleland to the entitlement of self-determination, and to assert their equal rights and human dignity in the global village;
Umhlaho wesi Sizwe sika Mthwakazi is being proclaimed as a freedom front to eradicate the oppression and suppression of the people of Matabeleland along the tribal lines. Umhlahlo shall not be a political party and has no programme of contesting elections because the people of Matabeleland have no freedom to govern themselves. Instead Umhlahlo is a community umbrella of the Inter-Cultural Society of Matabeleland which is committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is a non-violent community rooted umbrella of all the suppressed people regardless of partisan, ethnicity, creed, gender, class or age. Its membership is free to individuals, groups, institutions and associations who adhere to the principles of justice and humanitarianism”.
The Background of Umhlahlo.
Umhlahlo is the brainchild of the victims of the suppression of the minorities of Matabeleland. Matabeleland is the western territory of Zimbabwe which was an independent kingdom until 04 November1893 when it was conquered by the British South Africa Company without the authority of the British Head of state Queen Victoria. The invasion of Matabeleland by Rhodes violated the of Treaty of Peace and Unity between the Great White Queen of England and the Mighty Elephant of Matabeleland which was signed by King Lobengula and Rev John Moffat on 11 February 1888 and committed Britain to defend Matabeleland, if attacked. Lord Salisbury authorized Sir Robbin Hercules to ratify it on 25 April 1888. Queen Victoria tried to abide by the Treaty when King Lobengula protested about BAS Company aggression (... the Queen wishes Lo Bengela to understand distinctly that Englishmen who have gone out to Matabeleland to ask leave to dig for stones have not gone with the Queen’s authority, and that he should not believe any statement by` them or any of them to that effect ... It is not wise to put too much power into the hands of the men who come first, and to exclude other deserving men. A King gives a stranger an ox, not his whole herd of cattle; otherwise what would other strangers arriving have to eat ... The Queen said to King Lobengula through the Lord Knutsford, the colonial secretaries’ letter of 26 March 1889) In August 1894 when the King protested to the Queen about the killing of the people of Matabeleland by the BSA Company mercenaries, she replied the British High Commissioner in the Cape Sir Henry Lock that: (You can tell the King from me I have no intentions of invading his country or dragging him into war) From London the new Colonial Secretary Lord Ripon cabled to Sir Henry Loch that Jameson Should be told that the Company policy commandants should be told: (Their duty is to defend the occupied territory and Her Majesty’s government cannot support them in any aggression) On 11 November 1894 after Matabeleland had been conquered, the British government sent Maj Good-Adams the commander of the Bechuanaland Mounted Police with orders to prevent Jameson from distributing the land, gold and the looted royal head of cattle of Matabeleland to his mercenaries. In 1943 the British Crown did repatriate Prince Nguboentsha who been exiled to the Cape since 1893 to come and restore the Kingdom of Matabeleland but the BSA Company remnants thwarted the exercise.
Mashonaland the present oppressor of Matabeleland had been colonized peacefully by the same company three years earlier on 12 September 1890. Subsequently in 1923 the British government assumed the responsibility of ruling the two territories under the constitution of Southern Rhodesia which exercised an informal union.
In 1980 Britain granted independence to Southern Rhodesia with majority rule status. A black government with an overwhelming support of the majority tribe of Mashonaland was formed and it has ruled the country for the past 27 years. This government has ruled the people of Matabeleland with reign of terror, committed serious crimes against humanity and preserved absolute and exclusive privileges for the majority Shona people. Hence Matabeleland is plunged in the survival crisis.
Consequently the people of Matabeleland through their community structures and traditional means of communication have echoed an outcry for a patriotic intervention to address the survival crisis. This outcry has translated into the proclamation of Umhlahlo as the popular freedom front for intervening against the oppression and suppression of the people of Matabeleland.
The forms of oppression in Matabeleland.
a) Marginalization of the Elected MPs of Matabeleland.
b) Instituting the Reign of Terror in Matabeleland.
c) Perpetrated ethnic cleansing against the People of Matabeleland.
d) Translocation of the Economic Resources of Matabeleland to Mashonaland.
e) Reserving Key Jobs for the Shona People in Matabeleland.
f) Depriving Education Opportunities to the People of Matabeleland.
g) Retarding the Cultural Identity of the Inter-Cultural Society of Matabeleland. (See the political history of Matabeleland for details).
The unjust treatment of the people of Matabeleland by our fellow African brothers and sisters constitutes a parting insult. We are not being separated by ethnic diversity of our nature; but by their attitude of treating the people as underdogs just because their population is smaller than theirs. That has become unbearable and irreconcilable. It is the only option of preventing recourse as a last resort to rebellion against tyranny and oppression. Furthermore disassociating ourselves from Mashonaland does not constitute secession because there is no legal treaty which binds Mashonaland and Matabeleland as union, (e.g. The United Kingdom is bound by the treaty of 1801 which created the union of Great Britain and Ireland and was sealed by the Union Jack. While the Union of South Africa was forged by the treat of the union of Transvaal, Orange Free State, Natal and the Cape Colony on 31 May 1910.) But our informal union was just a common understanding based on Pan-Africanism between the territories which were under the same colonial power. There is no jurisdiction tying Matabeleland to Mashonaland whatsoever.
The Mission of Uhlahlo.
“Umhlahlo stands to eradicate the suppression of the people of Matabeleland on tribal bases and set us free”.
The Aims and Objectives of Umhlahlo.
“The basic aim of Umhlaho is to forge the solidarity of the people of Matabeleland in order to address their grievances with a single voice. The fundamental objectives of Umhlahlo are to revoke marginalization of the people of Matabeleland and to invoke freedom in order for the people to exercise their rights of self determination with the safeguard of the minority groups”. (See the Constitution of Umhlahlo for details).
The Administration of Umhlaho.
“Umhlahlo is a community rooted umbrella of the of the oppressed and suppressed grassroots masses of Matabeleland, born from the resounding outcry for popular intervention to address the survival crisis. It has no authoritative leadership nor a master, but it is being spearheaded by the highly powered servants of the people who are delegated with the mission to address the survival crisis and transfer the political power from the oppressors into the hands of the whole people of Matabeleland who will form their chosen transitional government and draft their own democratic constitution. Umhlahlo is a patriotic community rooted voice of eradicating the suppression of the people of Matabeleland”. (See the programme of Umhlahlo for details)
The Immediate Task of Umhlahlo.
“The outcry of the people of Matabeleland has been translated into the community rooted umbrella voice of all the people. The loyal servants of the people have accepted the challenge and taken the patriotic assignment to serve the oppressed people by spearheading Umhlahlo. The immediate task of all the suppressed masses is to forge a strong solidarity with their loyal servants who are spearheading Umhlahlo and cooperate voluntary in all the ways and means in intervening to address the survival crisis in Matabeleland. The spearheading servants are earnestly appealing to everybody to support the patriotic cause either physically or mentally, in cash or kind, big or small. The single aim is to support the patriotic struggle, not the personalities who are spearheading Umhlahlo. The task of Umhlahlo rests on everybody’s shoulders. A win, is a win for all. We all have something to add!”
The Rv vnbole of the Citizens in the Diasporas.
“Brothers and sisters of Matabeleland, where ever you are; the home is best. Matabeleland needs you both during the struggle against the suppression of the minority by Mashonaland and during the building of a free Matabeleland. You are duty bound to give the interests of Matabeleland an uppermost priority and participate in the patriotic intervention of the survival crisis in our homeland; physically or mentally, in cash or kind, big or small. Your massage is that the task of Umhlahlo rests on everybody’s shoulders. A win, is a win for all. We all have something to add!”
The Appeal to the International Community.
“We the people of Matabeleland are plunged in the survival crisis stemming from the suppression of the minorities of Matabeleland by the majority of Mashonaland. As we wage our peaceful struggle for freedom; we are earnestly appealing for your humanitarian support morally, materially as well as technical advice. We accept aid without strings which infringe the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights, big or small we appreciate whole heartedly”.
The Appeal to the People of Mashonaland.
Please do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. We totally agree with you when you say that: “Blair keep your England and we shall keep our Zimbabwe”. But we go further to say that: “Mugabe keep your Zimbabwe (Mashonaland) and we shall keep our Matabeleland”.
The Theme of Umhlahlo.
“Set us free and leave us alone. We ask nobody as our master.
The Freedom Charter of Matabeleland.
“Our free Homeland of Matabeleland shall be an Inter-Cultural Society based on the self-determination of all the people of the community, expressing the popular will of all the sections of the community and endowed with the safeguard for the minority groups. Free Matabeleland shall be committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
a) There shall be political democracy which guarantees the government of the people, by the people and for the people themselves.
b) There shall be the rule of law which shall bind all the offices and institutions of the land and ensure that all the people are equal before the law.
c) The respect for the human dignity and tolerance for diverse points of view which do not infringe the Universal Declaration of Human Rights shall be enforced in the free homeland.
d) There shall be a policy of public relations on the basis of truth, justice and morality as our attitude towards each other and the rest of mankind.
e) The national wealth of Matabeleland shall be managed with transparency to ensure a fair distribution, exchange and consumption of the country’s products.
f) The cultural identities of all the Nationalities of Matabeleland shall be promoted by the state and all the languages which are used as mother tongues by the local communities shall be graded as official languages which shall be taught in the relevant education institutions up to the highest level of learning and used in the mass media of the land.
g) All the central government, local authorities and the business institutions shall operate ethically, according to approved standards in order to satisfy the consumer expectations.
h) The occupation opportunities shall be allocated according merit and the government shall be obliged to widen career development and create sufficient chance for the whole community.
i) All the elected representatives of Matabeleland shall be delegated with the mandate of their constituencies to which they shall be accountable, and shall be constitutionally liable to be recalled with a vote of no confidence if need arises.
j) A free Homeland of Matabeleland shall respect the international law and its relations with other nations shall be based on the principles of non-alignment and non-interference on other state’s affairs”.
THUS DONE UMHLAHLO IS FORGING AHEAD TO ADDRERSS THE QUESTION OF MATABELELAND FACE TO FACE WITH THE OPPRESIVE REGIME OF ZIMBABWE.
IT’S NOW OR NEVER!
Do it alone; Do it together. Winners Never Quit: Quitters Never Win.
Procaimed by the spearheading National Executive Committee of Umhlahlo we Sizwe sika Mthwakazi on ……………………………..2007 at Bulawayo as a resolution of the people of Matabeleland.
UMHLAHLO GOES PUBLIC ON THE NET
THE CONSTITUTION OF UMHLAHLO WESIZWE SIKA MTHWAKAZI
THE PREAMBLE.
The Freedom Prospects
In view of the 87 years of racial domination which was replaced by the now 27 years of tribal domination totaling 114 years of oppression and suppression, We the people of Matabeleland are plunged in the survival crisis of the suppression of the minorities along tribal lines. Our only option to salvation is to rise and assume Our rightful role of determining Our existence as We deem it fit. Let us march at the same footsteps and as equal partners with all the other members of the human race in the global village. Freedom is an inseparable right of the national minorities which is linked with the principle of complete equality. As We! the inter-cultural minorities of Matabeleland live cherishing FREEDOM, our stand-point remains;
Vision.
“Longing for fraternity, tranquility and hospitality in Our homeland.”
Mission.
To get rid of the suppression of the minorities on tribal bases in Matabeleland, and set
Ourselves free.
Ethics.
Our cause is based on the ethics of Truth, Justice and Morality.
The Doctrine.
Our doctrine is the cause of freedom, democracy and self-determination.
Freedom.
Our road to Freedom is the advent of Matabeleland in which human beings shall enjoy freedoms of speech and belief, and freedom from fear and want, political freedom of association, worship, movement, property, privacy etc. First and foremost, the right to democracy, self-determination, minority safeguards and equal opportunities; in Our homeland as the highest aspiration of the common people.
Democracy
We are earnestly urging for democracy in its original sense i.e. ‘The government of the people, by the people and for the people, endowed with the minority safeguard’.
Self-determination
Self-determination of the minorities of Matabeleland is Our right of political separation from the alien interests. The adoption of the existence which is determined by the local inhabitants themselves on the bases of their economic and social conditions as well as the make-up of their population is in line with the United Nations General Assemble, Resolution of 14 December 1960. Self-determination is also the concrete expression of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 10 December 1948.
Equal Opportunities
The right of the national minorities is inseparably linked with the principle of complete equality. Equal opportunities enshrines the dignity of the minorities, and fulfill the fundamentals of the Umniversal Declaration of Human Rights in practical terms. And it is Our safeguard.
The People of Matabeleland
We! the people of Matabeleland are an Inter-Cultural Society of the multi-ethnic minorities. We are the product of evolutionary emigration, colonial expansion and intermarriages. Basically We fall under five categories. The pre-colonial black inhabitants, the European emigrants, the Asian emigrants, the black emigrants from the frontline states and the coloured people. We are a diverse community of fifteen inter-cultural minorities, namely in the alphabetical order: African Asians, African Europeans, Basarwa or Sani, Black emigrants, Colourds, Kalanga, Karanga of Matabeleland, Nambiya, Nguni,Swazi, Shangani of Matabeleland, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa; the Nation made of the Nationalities of the Kings of the world-(iSizwe sezizukulwane zama Khosi oMhlaba).
Our Homeland
Matabeleland, Our homeland shall be an Inter-Cultural Society expressing the will and interests of all the national minorities on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our Homeland shall be designed along the principles which safeguard all the minorities. We aspire to enjoy free self-determination of all the nationalities of Matabeleland on the bases of voluntary agreements and voluntary disagreements in the Homeland of the nationalities of our Kings (eKhaya lezizukulu zama Khosi ethu)
Now therefore We the people of Matabeleland by a resolution of a general meeting We hereby establish Umhlahlo we Sizwe sika Mthwakazi a platform of reaffirming our identity and promoting our dignity, committing ourselves to the fundamental freedom and social justice.
1. ARTICL E 1: The Name of the Organization.
The organization shall be called ‘UMHLAHLO WE SIZWE SIKA MTHWAKAZI’ (The Vanguard of the People of Matabeleland) herein after referred as Umhlahlo.
2. ARTICLE 2: The Status of Organization.
Umhlahlo shall be:
2.1. A non-violent and non-discriminatory political voice of the marginalized minorities of Matabeleland.
2.2. A body corporate with limited liabilities and perpetual succession, and which has a separate existence from its members.
2.3. An inclusive and accommodative community umbrella of the Inter-Cultural Society
of Matabeleland which is committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
3. ARTICLE 3; The Location
Umhlahlo shall have its head-quarters at any place as the consensus of its Summit Assemble shall determine as its centre for the fluent facilitation of the umbrella’s programmes.
4. ARTICLE 4: The Scope of Operations.
Umhlaho shall operate within Zimbabwe or anywhere in terms of this constitution.
5. ARTICLE 5 The Aims and Objectives.
Umhlahlo shall pursue the following aims and objectives to accomplish its programmes both in words and deeds.
5. 1. The Aims.
Umhlaho aims to:
5.1. (a) Set up a community umbrella for both affiliate and ordinary membership to serve as the voice of the marginalized minorities of Matabeleland by the majority of Mashonaland.
5.1. (b) Achieve the cherished democracy which guarantees the government of the people, by the people and for the people themselves.
5.1. (c) Achieve self determination for the marginalized minorities of Matabeleland on the bases of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
5.1. (d) Uplift the living standards of the marginalized minorities of Matabeleland.
5.1. (e) Contribute to the local, national and international endeavors of creating a conducive environment for the fundamental human rights, in dignity and worth of the human person, and to promote social progress and the better standard of life in larger freedoms.
5.2. The Objectives.
Umhlahlo intends to:
5.2. (a) Strive to foster the solidarity of the marginalized minorities of Matabeleland regardless of nationality, race, colour, gender, age and belief.
5.2 (b) Revoking Marginalization.
Umhlahlo strives to eradicate the suppression of minorities of Matabeleland by:
5.2. (b) (1) Fighting for the abolition of the exclusive privileges of the ruling majority, at the detriment of the marginalized minorities.
5.2. (b) (2) Fighting for the abolition of all the laws and by-laws which violet the human rights, and degrade the human dignity of the minorities.
5.2. (b) (3) Fighting to cause that all the acts of marginalizing minorities either through overwhelming or sidelining them, should become a punishable offence.
5.2. (b) (4) Fighting for the abolition of the indemnity of either committing or omitting to prevent acts which violet the human rights, or degrades the dignity of the minorities by any office of the state.
5.2. (c) Invoking Freedom.
Umhlahlo strives for the concrete expression of freedom and equal opportunities for all the minorities of Matabeleland by:
5.2. (c) (1) Promoting the ethics of truth, justice and morality; as the attitude of social relations among the minorities of Matabeleland and the rest of mankind.
5.2. (c) (2) Promoting political democracy in the management of both the state and the civil affairs of the homeland; in order to enable all the minorities of Matabeleland to exercise the full rights of self-determination.
5.2. (c) (3) Promoting economic transparency and accountability in the production,
distribution and exchange of goods and services of our homeland; in order to enable the minorities of Matabeleland to secure a fair dividend from the national wealth and to improve their quality of life.
5.2. (c) (4) Promoting cultural civilization through fostering the practice of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; in order to restore the human dignity of all the minorities of Matabeleland, and to uplift their wellbeing.
5.2. (c) (5) Encouraging community responsibility by the state, local government and the business world in order to enhance consumer satisfaction among all the minorities of Matabeleland.
5.2. (c) (6) Encouraging the principles of self-criticism and constructive criticism in order to promote the spirit of voluntary association and friendly exchange of ideas among citizens of different backgrounds.
5.3. Encouraging Umhlahlo members and the society as a whole to observe the attitudes of fair-mindedness, understanding, tolerance and respect for the people and their views; which are essential for the attainment and maintenance of justice, peace and harmony at all times.
5.4. Sourcing the necessary funds for the fulfillment of Umhlahlo’s aims and objectives.
5.5. Setting up self-help projects and conducting fund raising functions in order to finance such programmes.
5.6. To undertake any activity incidental to, or connected with the foregoing.
6. ARTICLE 6: The Membership
6.1. Qualification of Members.
The membership of the Umhlahlo is voluntary and shall be open to any marginalized person or institution of Matabeleland, as well as the humanitarian communities
who subscribe to the above enunciated aims and objectives.
6. 2. Categories of Membership.
The membership of Umhlahlo shall be categorized as follows:
6.2. (a) Affiliate membership for institutions, organizations, associations and groups.
6.2. (b) Ordinary membership for individuals.
6.2. (c) Senior membership for the aged people who championed the cause of freedom distinctively in Matabeleland.
6. 3. The Joining Fee.
The joining fee of the Umhlahlo shall be determined by the Summit Assemble of the organization from time to time to cover each member’s administrative costs.
6.4. Subscriptions.
The subscriptions shall be determined by the Summit Assemble as well. Fees for the institutions, groups and individuals shall be set.
6.5. Donations.
Donations in cash or kind shall be voluntary and optional.
6.6. The Register of Members.
The Secretary General’s office shall keep an up-to-date register of all the registered members, and membership cards shall be issued to all the members.m
6.7. The Constitution
Any member may acquire a copy of the constitution upon payment of nominal fee for stationary costs.
7. The Rights and Duties of Members.
7.1. All Umhlaho members shall have the right to attend meetings, conferences, receptions, seminars and symposia organized by the umbrella.
7.2. Any member shall have the right to elect or be elected to any office in the structures of the umbrella.
7.3. Any member shall have the right to submit for discursion by Umhlaho any proposal, suggestion, or topic provided such proposal, suggestions, or topics are not in conflict with the aims and objectives of Umhlaho and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
8. The Rules and Obligations of Members.
8.1. Every member of Umhlahlo is obliged to observe all the provisions of this constitution.
8.2. Every member is obliged to abide by the decisions of Umhlahlo which are reached through a constitutional and democratic process.
8.3. Every member is obliged to take an active role in the affairs and activities of Umhlahlo.
8.4. Every member is obliged to be transparent in all his/her activities involving Umhlahlo; and to inform the relevant structures of Umhlahlo promptly and regularly.
8.5. Every member is obliged to be honest and respectful in conducting the affairs of Umhlahlo, and to avoid rendering the image of the umbrella in disrepute.
9. Termination of the Membership.
The membership of Umhlahlo may be terminated on the following grounds:
9.1. Voluntarily when a member resigns.
9.2. Expulsion:
9.2. (a) When a member fails to comply with the constitution of Umhlahlo; in which case, depending upon the circumstances civil suit may be instituted.
9.2. (b) When a member fails to pay his dues to Umhlaho, in which case debt collection measures shall be effected to recover the defaulter’s liabilities.
9.2. (c) When a member misappropriates the funds/assets of Umhlahlo; in which case civil suit or criminal suit, or even both may be instituted.
9.3. Death of a member, in which case martyrdom tributes shall be paid.
10. ARTICLE 7: The Management of Umhlahlo.
The organizational structure and the constituent bodies of Umhlahlo shall be based on the following fundamental principles:
> Any membermm of Umhlahlo has a right to elect or be elected into any office.
> Any constituency which elects a member into an office is equally endowed with the legitimacy of recalling such a member out of office, with a two-third majority of ‘vote of no confidence’.
10.1. The Organizational Structure.
The structure of Umhlahlo shall be as in the attached annex.
10.2. The Constituent Organs.
All the constituent organs of Umhlahlo shall be duty bound to:
Promote the aims and objectives of the umbrella in Matabeleland.
Carryout the functions which fulfill the interests of the grassroots masses.
Facilitate the emergence of a cohesive mass participation that drives the momentum of the struggle. The constituent organs of the umbrella shall be as follows:
10.2. (a) The National Congress.
The National Congress shall be the highest authority of Umhlahlo on all constitutional matters. The Congress shall be composed of the National Executive Council, the Summit Assemble and representatives from the districts and branches. It shall be convened twice
in five years, to make two seatings during the life spun of any parliamentary term. The Congress shall review all issues pertaining to party programmes, finance, strategic and tactical, doctrine, and policies issues; and elect office bearers among the overall pertinent issues.
10.2. (b) The National Executive Committee (NEC).
The NEC shall be Umhlahlo’s executive organ which shall implements the programmes and resolutions as enunciated by the National Congress. It shall be the master-mind of the umbrella on strategic and tactical matters on day-to-day bases. On the day-to-day matters the NEC shall be responsible to the Summit Assemble. The NEC shall consist of the following: President and deputy, Secretary-General and deputy, Treasurer and Financial Secretary, National Chairperson, National Organizing Secretary and deputy, Publicity and Information Secretary, Secretary for Gender Relations, Secretary for the Youth, Secretary for Labor Relations, Secretary for Welfare and Recreation, Secretary of Education Science and Culture, Secretary for Health, Secretary for Economic Affairs, Secretary for External Affairs and four committee members. The NEC shall be elected by the National Congress and its term of office shall coincide with the duration of the interval between the two consecutive congresses. Office bearers shall be eligible for re-election at the pleasure of the Congress: but less the Congresses which seat as extra-ordinary national meetings. The NEC shall meet regularly at least once per week. The party President shall preside over the NEC proceedings.
10.2. (c) The Summit Anmssemble.
The Summit Assemble shall be the joint seating of the League of Allies, NEC and the Inter-Provincial Assemble presided over by the National Chairman. The Assemble shall be the policy-making and decision-taking organ of Umhlahlo pending the confirmation of the National Congress. It shall seat regularly at least quarterly per year.
10.2. (d) The League of Allies.
The league of Allies shall be the custodian of the constitution on behalf of the grassroots- masses. In the event of a constitutional crisis in the party; it shall seat as the constitutional jury, its verdicts shall moderates the direction of the Summit Assemble towards the way forward. It shall be composed of the leaders/or representatives of all the affiliate members of the FreeFront who may have the mandate of their organizations; but shall be obliged to put the interests of the society above their affiliate organizations. Each affiliate member shall be represented by one person at a time in the League. All the League’s members shall have equal status/one vote. The league shall meet regularly at least once per month. The National Chairperson of Umhlahlo shall preside over the proceedings of the League of Allies.
10.2. (e) The Inter-Provincial Assemble
The Inter-Provincial Assemble shall be the direct link between the grassroots-masses and the top leadership of Umhlahlo. It shall be composed of the representatives of all the provinces of Matabeleland who include Chairpersons, Secretaries, Treasurers, and Secretaries; for Organizing, Information, Gender, Youth, Labour and Welfare.
The National Chairperson shall preside over the proceedings of the Inter-Provincial Assemble. The Assemble shall bear the mandate of the grassroots-masses. It shall meet regularly at least quarterly per year.
10.2. (f) The Secretariat.
The Secretariat shall be composed of the administrative staff employed by Umhlahlo to do the day-to-day management, under the supervision of a full-time administrator as follows:
10.2. (g)(1)The Administration Staff.
The Secretariat shall be housed in party offices as determined by the NEC. The Secretary-General shall be the principal officer of the party’s administration.
10.2. (g) (2) The Outreach Support Agency.
The Outreach Support Agency shall be the public relations and fellowship organ of Umhlahlo; which shall carryout; advocacy, canvassing, lobbying, networking and conduct work-shops in the field; to enable the outreach programmes to reach the grassroots masses. The Secretary of Education, Science and Culture shall be the principal officer of the Agency.
10.2. (g) (3) The Outsource Support Agency.
The Outsource Support Agency shall be the research, development and statistics organ of Umhlahlo; which shall carryout the fact-findings to gather information and keep information readily available to the end-users in the field. The Agency shall conduct research studies and prepare the campaign materials and ideas. It shall publish literature such as bulletins, magazines, leaflets and pamphlets, posters, stickers, flags, tee-shirts, caps, etc. The Secretary of Information and Publicity shall be the principal officer of the Agency.
10.2. (h) The Provincial Committee.
The Provincial Committees shall be the executive bodies for the provinces which shall supervise the formation and administration of the District Committees where applicable. Their composition shall be identical with the NEC except for the non-applicability of the posts of president, vice president and the secretary for external affairs. The addition shall be the deputy chair person. The Provincial Committees shall meet regularly at least once per month.
10.2. (i) The District Committees.
The District Committees shall be the executive bodies for the districts which shall supervise the formation and administration of the branches where applicable. The composition of the district committees shall be identical with the provincial committees. They shall meet regularly at least once per month.
10.2. (j) The Branches.
The Branches shall be responsible for recruitment and registration of members, organizing meetings, raising funds and overseeing the welfare of the members. The members at branch level shall be organized into four wings i.e. the elderly people’s wing over 65 years old, the able bodied men’s wing 39-65 years old, the able bodied women’s wing 39-65 years old and the youth wing 18-38 years old. Each wing shall be led by a committee which shall be composed as follows: Chairperson and Deputy, Secretary and Deputy, Treasurer and Financial Secretary, Organizing Secretary and Deputy and two committee members. The Branch chairperson shall preside over the proceedings of the joint meetings of the four wings.
10.2. (k) The Sub-Committees.
Umhlahlo shall form the sub-committees when necessary to execute specific tasks such as the fund raising and discipline sub-committees etc.
11. ARTICLE 8: The Meetings of Umhlahlo.
Umhlaho shall convene the following meetings to carry out its proceedings:
11.1. The General Meetings.
The general meetings shall be held regularly to conduct the day-to-day business of the party.
11.2. The Extra-Ordinary/Special Meetings.
The extra-ordinary meetings shall be convened to consider a particular and urgent issue.
11.3. The National Congress.
The national congress shall be held twice during the life-span of every parliament. The business of the Congress shall include:
Consideration of the following: the minutes of the previous Congress, the President’s report, the Treasurer’s audited report, the work plan/action plan presented by the NEC, any amendments to the constitution, election of the NEC, and the approval of the auditors and solicitors of the party.
11.4. The Annual General Meetings (AGM).
The AGMs shall be held annually to do the similar business as the National Congressexcept the election of the NEC and the amendment of the constitution.
11.5. The Quorum.
The quorum of all the meetings of Umhlaho shall be an attendance by two/thirds of the registered members.
11.6. The Motion.
All the motions of Umhlaho at all the levels shall be passed with a simple majority except in the cases of the amendment of the constitution, the decision to wind-up/dissolve the umbrella or in passing a vote-of-no-confidence against an elected office bearer; in which case it shall be a two/third majority.
12. ARTICLE 9: The Finance.
Umhlahlo shall safeguard its monies as follows:
> The National Treasurer shall be the principal financial officer of the umbrella’s funds. > The umbrella shall open an account with an approved bank and shall keep up-to-date books of accounts.
> Any three of the following four persons shall sign bank withdrawals when authorized by the minutes of the NEC meeting: the President, National Chairperson, Secretary-General and National Treasurer.
> All the monies of Umhlahlo shall be kept in the bank except when constitutionally authorized
> All bank withdrawals shall be made in a cheque form.> Petty-cash shall be safeguarded according to the laid down procedures.
> All irregularities in cash handling shall be reported to the relevant office and fraudulent cases shall be treated through the legal means.
13. The Funding.
Umhlahlo shall be funded through the following sources:
13.1. The joining fees and membership subscriptions.
13.2. The donations from the well-wishers.
13.3. The fund raising projects.
13.4. The sale of literature.
14. The Application of Funds.
All Umhlaho’s funds shall be used for party business only. The National Treasurer shall control the proper use of the umbrella’s funds.
15. The Financial Year.
The financial year of the umbrella shall be a date after the anniversary of its formation. On the financial year all the books of accounts shall be closed for stock-take and audited in preparation for the AGM.
16. ARTICLE 10: The Settlement of Disputes.
> Umhlahlo shall convene adhoc disciplinary subcommittees to summarily handle case of disputes and discipline at different levels of the organization; which shall be presided over by chairpersons.
> Any next higher level of the disciplinary sub-committee of Umhlahlo shall be an appeal body.
> The national disciplinary committee shall be the highest internal appeal organ.
> All external disputes within Umhlahlo shall be referred to the court of law.
17. ARTICLE 11: The Amendments of the Constitution.
The Amendments to the constitution of Umhlahlo shall be made by the Summit Assemble pending the authentication of the National Congress. Such a motion shall be passed with a two third majority.
18. ARTICLE 12: The Winding-up/Dissolution.
Umhlahlo may be dissolved by a resolution of an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting attended by two thirds of the registered members. The notice of such a meeting shall be given at least three months before the date of such a meeting. The assets of the umbrella shall be disposed by the court as per a resolution of its winding members.
19. ARTICLE 13: The Approval of the Constitution.
This constitution was approved by the general meeting of its forerunners on.................................................................at........................................................................as the by-laws of Umhlahlo we Sizwe sika Mthwakazi.
Signed by the steering leadership on behalf of over ................................other co-founders.
DESGNATION. FULL NAME. NAT: I.D. & ADDRESS. SIGNATURE.
1. Chairperson: .............................. ...................................... .......................
......................................
......................................
2. Sercetary ............................. ...................................... ......................
......................................
......................................
3. Treasurer .............................. ...................................... .....................
.......................................
........................................
WITNESSES. FULL NAME NAT. ID. NO. SIGNATURE
1 ........................................ ............................. ...........................
2 ....................................... ............................. ...........................
3 ....................................... ........................... ...........................
4 ........................................ ........................... .........................
5 ........................................ ............................ ........................
6 ........................................ ........................... .......................
7 ........................................ ............................. ....................... 8 ........................................ ............................ ........................
9 ...................................... ............................ ........................
10 ..................................... ............................ ........................
The Special Conditions:
This constitution was drafted by the founding members of the umbrella organization of all the interested people of Matabeleland and purports to express the will of the entire community. Therefore the fulfillment of the following conditions is obligatory in order to acquire the authenticity of the document:
a) The founding members should circulate, publish or disseminate the document to all the concerned members of the community.
b) An Extra-Ordinary Meeting attended by the properly accredited representatives of all the sections of such a community should be convened to adopt the constitution.
c) The interim leadership of the founding members should retire before an impartial returning officer and hand over the leadership to the substantive NEC thereby duly elected by such a meeting. This does not overrule the re-election of the retiring office bearers at the pleasure of the voters.
NB. Thus said it does not prejudice the obligations of the interim leadership to exercise the dictates of the constitution as the provisional bye laws once registered.
THE PREAMBLE.
The Freedom Prospects
In view of the 87 years of racial domination which was replaced by the now 27 years of tribal domination totaling 114 years of oppression and suppression, We the people of Matabeleland are plunged in the survival crisis of the suppression of the minorities along tribal lines. Our only option to salvation is to rise and assume Our rightful role of determining Our existence as We deem it fit. Let us march at the same footsteps and as equal partners with all the other members of the human race in the global village. Freedom is an inseparable right of the national minorities which is linked with the principle of complete equality. As We! the inter-cultural minorities of Matabeleland live cherishing FREEDOM, our stand-point remains;
Vision.
“Longing for fraternity, tranquility and hospitality in Our homeland.”
Mission.
To get rid of the suppression of the minorities on tribal bases in Matabeleland, and set
Ourselves free.
Ethics.
Our cause is based on the ethics of Truth, Justice and Morality.
The Doctrine.
Our doctrine is the cause of freedom, democracy and self-determination.
Freedom.
Our road to Freedom is the advent of Matabeleland in which human beings shall enjoy freedoms of speech and belief, and freedom from fear and want, political freedom of association, worship, movement, property, privacy etc. First and foremost, the right to democracy, self-determination, minority safeguards and equal opportunities; in Our homeland as the highest aspiration of the common people.
Democracy
We are earnestly urging for democracy in its original sense i.e. ‘The government of the people, by the people and for the people, endowed with the minority safeguard’.
Self-determination
Self-determination of the minorities of Matabeleland is Our right of political separation from the alien interests. The adoption of the existence which is determined by the local inhabitants themselves on the bases of their economic and social conditions as well as the make-up of their population is in line with the United Nations General Assemble, Resolution of 14 December 1960. Self-determination is also the concrete expression of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 10 December 1948.
Equal Opportunities
The right of the national minorities is inseparably linked with the principle of complete equality. Equal opportunities enshrines the dignity of the minorities, and fulfill the fundamentals of the Umniversal Declaration of Human Rights in practical terms. And it is Our safeguard.
The People of Matabeleland
We! the people of Matabeleland are an Inter-Cultural Society of the multi-ethnic minorities. We are the product of evolutionary emigration, colonial expansion and intermarriages. Basically We fall under five categories. The pre-colonial black inhabitants, the European emigrants, the Asian emigrants, the black emigrants from the frontline states and the coloured people. We are a diverse community of fifteen inter-cultural minorities, namely in the alphabetical order: African Asians, African Europeans, Basarwa or Sani, Black emigrants, Colourds, Kalanga, Karanga of Matabeleland, Nambiya, Nguni,Swazi, Shangani of Matabeleland, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa; the Nation made of the Nationalities of the Kings of the world-(iSizwe sezizukulwane zama Khosi oMhlaba).
Our Homeland
Matabeleland, Our homeland shall be an Inter-Cultural Society expressing the will and interests of all the national minorities on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our Homeland shall be designed along the principles which safeguard all the minorities. We aspire to enjoy free self-determination of all the nationalities of Matabeleland on the bases of voluntary agreements and voluntary disagreements in the Homeland of the nationalities of our Kings (eKhaya lezizukulu zama Khosi ethu)
Now therefore We the people of Matabeleland by a resolution of a general meeting We hereby establish Umhlahlo we Sizwe sika Mthwakazi a platform of reaffirming our identity and promoting our dignity, committing ourselves to the fundamental freedom and social justice.
1. ARTICL E 1: The Name of the Organization.
The organization shall be called ‘UMHLAHLO WE SIZWE SIKA MTHWAKAZI’ (The Vanguard of the People of Matabeleland) herein after referred as Umhlahlo.
2. ARTICLE 2: The Status of Organization.
Umhlahlo shall be:
2.1. A non-violent and non-discriminatory political voice of the marginalized minorities of Matabeleland.
2.2. A body corporate with limited liabilities and perpetual succession, and which has a separate existence from its members.
2.3. An inclusive and accommodative community umbrella of the Inter-Cultural Society
of Matabeleland which is committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
3. ARTICLE 3; The Location
Umhlahlo shall have its head-quarters at any place as the consensus of its Summit Assemble shall determine as its centre for the fluent facilitation of the umbrella’s programmes.
4. ARTICLE 4: The Scope of Operations.
Umhlaho shall operate within Zimbabwe or anywhere in terms of this constitution.
5. ARTICLE 5 The Aims and Objectives.
Umhlahlo shall pursue the following aims and objectives to accomplish its programmes both in words and deeds.
5. 1. The Aims.
Umhlaho aims to:
5.1. (a) Set up a community umbrella for both affiliate and ordinary membership to serve as the voice of the marginalized minorities of Matabeleland by the majority of Mashonaland.
5.1. (b) Achieve the cherished democracy which guarantees the government of the people, by the people and for the people themselves.
5.1. (c) Achieve self determination for the marginalized minorities of Matabeleland on the bases of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
5.1. (d) Uplift the living standards of the marginalized minorities of Matabeleland.
5.1. (e) Contribute to the local, national and international endeavors of creating a conducive environment for the fundamental human rights, in dignity and worth of the human person, and to promote social progress and the better standard of life in larger freedoms.
5.2. The Objectives.
Umhlahlo intends to:
5.2. (a) Strive to foster the solidarity of the marginalized minorities of Matabeleland regardless of nationality, race, colour, gender, age and belief.
5.2 (b) Revoking Marginalization.
Umhlahlo strives to eradicate the suppression of minorities of Matabeleland by:
5.2. (b) (1) Fighting for the abolition of the exclusive privileges of the ruling majority, at the detriment of the marginalized minorities.
5.2. (b) (2) Fighting for the abolition of all the laws and by-laws which violet the human rights, and degrade the human dignity of the minorities.
5.2. (b) (3) Fighting to cause that all the acts of marginalizing minorities either through overwhelming or sidelining them, should become a punishable offence.
5.2. (b) (4) Fighting for the abolition of the indemnity of either committing or omitting to prevent acts which violet the human rights, or degrades the dignity of the minorities by any office of the state.
5.2. (c) Invoking Freedom.
Umhlahlo strives for the concrete expression of freedom and equal opportunities for all the minorities of Matabeleland by:
5.2. (c) (1) Promoting the ethics of truth, justice and morality; as the attitude of social relations among the minorities of Matabeleland and the rest of mankind.
5.2. (c) (2) Promoting political democracy in the management of both the state and the civil affairs of the homeland; in order to enable all the minorities of Matabeleland to exercise the full rights of self-determination.
5.2. (c) (3) Promoting economic transparency and accountability in the production,
distribution and exchange of goods and services of our homeland; in order to enable the minorities of Matabeleland to secure a fair dividend from the national wealth and to improve their quality of life.
5.2. (c) (4) Promoting cultural civilization through fostering the practice of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; in order to restore the human dignity of all the minorities of Matabeleland, and to uplift their wellbeing.
5.2. (c) (5) Encouraging community responsibility by the state, local government and the business world in order to enhance consumer satisfaction among all the minorities of Matabeleland.
5.2. (c) (6) Encouraging the principles of self-criticism and constructive criticism in order to promote the spirit of voluntary association and friendly exchange of ideas among citizens of different backgrounds.
5.3. Encouraging Umhlahlo members and the society as a whole to observe the attitudes of fair-mindedness, understanding, tolerance and respect for the people and their views; which are essential for the attainment and maintenance of justice, peace and harmony at all times.
5.4. Sourcing the necessary funds for the fulfillment of Umhlahlo’s aims and objectives.
5.5. Setting up self-help projects and conducting fund raising functions in order to finance such programmes.
5.6. To undertake any activity incidental to, or connected with the foregoing.
6. ARTICLE 6: The Membership
6.1. Qualification of Members.
The membership of the Umhlahlo is voluntary and shall be open to any marginalized person or institution of Matabeleland, as well as the humanitarian communities
who subscribe to the above enunciated aims and objectives.
6. 2. Categories of Membership.
The membership of Umhlahlo shall be categorized as follows:
6.2. (a) Affiliate membership for institutions, organizations, associations and groups.
6.2. (b) Ordinary membership for individuals.
6.2. (c) Senior membership for the aged people who championed the cause of freedom distinctively in Matabeleland.
6. 3. The Joining Fee.
The joining fee of the Umhlahlo shall be determined by the Summit Assemble of the organization from time to time to cover each member’s administrative costs.
6.4. Subscriptions.
The subscriptions shall be determined by the Summit Assemble as well. Fees for the institutions, groups and individuals shall be set.
6.5. Donations.
Donations in cash or kind shall be voluntary and optional.
6.6. The Register of Members.
The Secretary General’s office shall keep an up-to-date register of all the registered members, and membership cards shall be issued to all the members.m
6.7. The Constitution
Any member may acquire a copy of the constitution upon payment of nominal fee for stationary costs.
7. The Rights and Duties of Members.
7.1. All Umhlaho members shall have the right to attend meetings, conferences, receptions, seminars and symposia organized by the umbrella.
7.2. Any member shall have the right to elect or be elected to any office in the structures of the umbrella.
7.3. Any member shall have the right to submit for discursion by Umhlaho any proposal, suggestion, or topic provided such proposal, suggestions, or topics are not in conflict with the aims and objectives of Umhlaho and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
8. The Rules and Obligations of Members.
8.1. Every member of Umhlahlo is obliged to observe all the provisions of this constitution.
8.2. Every member is obliged to abide by the decisions of Umhlahlo which are reached through a constitutional and democratic process.
8.3. Every member is obliged to take an active role in the affairs and activities of Umhlahlo.
8.4. Every member is obliged to be transparent in all his/her activities involving Umhlahlo; and to inform the relevant structures of Umhlahlo promptly and regularly.
8.5. Every member is obliged to be honest and respectful in conducting the affairs of Umhlahlo, and to avoid rendering the image of the umbrella in disrepute.
9. Termination of the Membership.
The membership of Umhlahlo may be terminated on the following grounds:
9.1. Voluntarily when a member resigns.
9.2. Expulsion:
9.2. (a) When a member fails to comply with the constitution of Umhlahlo; in which case, depending upon the circumstances civil suit may be instituted.
9.2. (b) When a member fails to pay his dues to Umhlaho, in which case debt collection measures shall be effected to recover the defaulter’s liabilities.
9.2. (c) When a member misappropriates the funds/assets of Umhlahlo; in which case civil suit or criminal suit, or even both may be instituted.
9.3. Death of a member, in which case martyrdom tributes shall be paid.
10. ARTICLE 7: The Management of Umhlahlo.
The organizational structure and the constituent bodies of Umhlahlo shall be based on the following fundamental principles:
> Any membermm of Umhlahlo has a right to elect or be elected into any office.
> Any constituency which elects a member into an office is equally endowed with the legitimacy of recalling such a member out of office, with a two-third majority of ‘vote of no confidence’.
10.1. The Organizational Structure.
The structure of Umhlahlo shall be as in the attached annex.
10.2. The Constituent Organs.
All the constituent organs of Umhlahlo shall be duty bound to:
Promote the aims and objectives of the umbrella in Matabeleland.
Carryout the functions which fulfill the interests of the grassroots masses.
Facilitate the emergence of a cohesive mass participation that drives the momentum of the struggle. The constituent organs of the umbrella shall be as follows:
10.2. (a) The National Congress.
The National Congress shall be the highest authority of Umhlahlo on all constitutional matters. The Congress shall be composed of the National Executive Council, the Summit Assemble and representatives from the districts and branches. It shall be convened twice
in five years, to make two seatings during the life spun of any parliamentary term. The Congress shall review all issues pertaining to party programmes, finance, strategic and tactical, doctrine, and policies issues; and elect office bearers among the overall pertinent issues.
10.2. (b) The National Executive Committee (NEC).
The NEC shall be Umhlahlo’s executive organ which shall implements the programmes and resolutions as enunciated by the National Congress. It shall be the master-mind of the umbrella on strategic and tactical matters on day-to-day bases. On the day-to-day matters the NEC shall be responsible to the Summit Assemble. The NEC shall consist of the following: President and deputy, Secretary-General and deputy, Treasurer and Financial Secretary, National Chairperson, National Organizing Secretary and deputy, Publicity and Information Secretary, Secretary for Gender Relations, Secretary for the Youth, Secretary for Labor Relations, Secretary for Welfare and Recreation, Secretary of Education Science and Culture, Secretary for Health, Secretary for Economic Affairs, Secretary for External Affairs and four committee members. The NEC shall be elected by the National Congress and its term of office shall coincide with the duration of the interval between the two consecutive congresses. Office bearers shall be eligible for re-election at the pleasure of the Congress: but less the Congresses which seat as extra-ordinary national meetings. The NEC shall meet regularly at least once per week. The party President shall preside over the NEC proceedings.
10.2. (c) The Summit Anmssemble.
The Summit Assemble shall be the joint seating of the League of Allies, NEC and the Inter-Provincial Assemble presided over by the National Chairman. The Assemble shall be the policy-making and decision-taking organ of Umhlahlo pending the confirmation of the National Congress. It shall seat regularly at least quarterly per year.
10.2. (d) The League of Allies.
The league of Allies shall be the custodian of the constitution on behalf of the grassroots- masses. In the event of a constitutional crisis in the party; it shall seat as the constitutional jury, its verdicts shall moderates the direction of the Summit Assemble towards the way forward. It shall be composed of the leaders/or representatives of all the affiliate members of the FreeFront who may have the mandate of their organizations; but shall be obliged to put the interests of the society above their affiliate organizations. Each affiliate member shall be represented by one person at a time in the League. All the League’s members shall have equal status/one vote. The league shall meet regularly at least once per month. The National Chairperson of Umhlahlo shall preside over the proceedings of the League of Allies.
10.2. (e) The Inter-Provincial Assemble
The Inter-Provincial Assemble shall be the direct link between the grassroots-masses and the top leadership of Umhlahlo. It shall be composed of the representatives of all the provinces of Matabeleland who include Chairpersons, Secretaries, Treasurers, and Secretaries; for Organizing, Information, Gender, Youth, Labour and Welfare.
The National Chairperson shall preside over the proceedings of the Inter-Provincial Assemble. The Assemble shall bear the mandate of the grassroots-masses. It shall meet regularly at least quarterly per year.
10.2. (f) The Secretariat.
The Secretariat shall be composed of the administrative staff employed by Umhlahlo to do the day-to-day management, under the supervision of a full-time administrator as follows:
10.2. (g)(1)The Administration Staff.
The Secretariat shall be housed in party offices as determined by the NEC. The Secretary-General shall be the principal officer of the party’s administration.
10.2. (g) (2) The Outreach Support Agency.
The Outreach Support Agency shall be the public relations and fellowship organ of Umhlahlo; which shall carryout; advocacy, canvassing, lobbying, networking and conduct work-shops in the field; to enable the outreach programmes to reach the grassroots masses. The Secretary of Education, Science and Culture shall be the principal officer of the Agency.
10.2. (g) (3) The Outsource Support Agency.
The Outsource Support Agency shall be the research, development and statistics organ of Umhlahlo; which shall carryout the fact-findings to gather information and keep information readily available to the end-users in the field. The Agency shall conduct research studies and prepare the campaign materials and ideas. It shall publish literature such as bulletins, magazines, leaflets and pamphlets, posters, stickers, flags, tee-shirts, caps, etc. The Secretary of Information and Publicity shall be the principal officer of the Agency.
10.2. (h) The Provincial Committee.
The Provincial Committees shall be the executive bodies for the provinces which shall supervise the formation and administration of the District Committees where applicable. Their composition shall be identical with the NEC except for the non-applicability of the posts of president, vice president and the secretary for external affairs. The addition shall be the deputy chair person. The Provincial Committees shall meet regularly at least once per month.
10.2. (i) The District Committees.
The District Committees shall be the executive bodies for the districts which shall supervise the formation and administration of the branches where applicable. The composition of the district committees shall be identical with the provincial committees. They shall meet regularly at least once per month.
10.2. (j) The Branches.
The Branches shall be responsible for recruitment and registration of members, organizing meetings, raising funds and overseeing the welfare of the members. The members at branch level shall be organized into four wings i.e. the elderly people’s wing over 65 years old, the able bodied men’s wing 39-65 years old, the able bodied women’s wing 39-65 years old and the youth wing 18-38 years old. Each wing shall be led by a committee which shall be composed as follows: Chairperson and Deputy, Secretary and Deputy, Treasurer and Financial Secretary, Organizing Secretary and Deputy and two committee members. The Branch chairperson shall preside over the proceedings of the joint meetings of the four wings.
10.2. (k) The Sub-Committees.
Umhlahlo shall form the sub-committees when necessary to execute specific tasks such as the fund raising and discipline sub-committees etc.
11. ARTICLE 8: The Meetings of Umhlahlo.
Umhlaho shall convene the following meetings to carry out its proceedings:
11.1. The General Meetings.
The general meetings shall be held regularly to conduct the day-to-day business of the party.
11.2. The Extra-Ordinary/Special Meetings.
The extra-ordinary meetings shall be convened to consider a particular and urgent issue.
11.3. The National Congress.
The national congress shall be held twice during the life-span of every parliament. The business of the Congress shall include:
Consideration of the following: the minutes of the previous Congress, the President’s report, the Treasurer’s audited report, the work plan/action plan presented by the NEC, any amendments to the constitution, election of the NEC, and the approval of the auditors and solicitors of the party.
11.4. The Annual General Meetings (AGM).
The AGMs shall be held annually to do the similar business as the National Congressexcept the election of the NEC and the amendment of the constitution.
11.5. The Quorum.
The quorum of all the meetings of Umhlaho shall be an attendance by two/thirds of the registered members.
11.6. The Motion.
All the motions of Umhlaho at all the levels shall be passed with a simple majority except in the cases of the amendment of the constitution, the decision to wind-up/dissolve the umbrella or in passing a vote-of-no-confidence against an elected office bearer; in which case it shall be a two/third majority.
12. ARTICLE 9: The Finance.
Umhlahlo shall safeguard its monies as follows:
> The National Treasurer shall be the principal financial officer of the umbrella’s funds. > The umbrella shall open an account with an approved bank and shall keep up-to-date books of accounts.
> Any three of the following four persons shall sign bank withdrawals when authorized by the minutes of the NEC meeting: the President, National Chairperson, Secretary-General and National Treasurer.
> All the monies of Umhlahlo shall be kept in the bank except when constitutionally authorized
> All bank withdrawals shall be made in a cheque form.> Petty-cash shall be safeguarded according to the laid down procedures.
> All irregularities in cash handling shall be reported to the relevant office and fraudulent cases shall be treated through the legal means.
13. The Funding.
Umhlahlo shall be funded through the following sources:
13.1. The joining fees and membership subscriptions.
13.2. The donations from the well-wishers.
13.3. The fund raising projects.
13.4. The sale of literature.
14. The Application of Funds.
All Umhlaho’s funds shall be used for party business only. The National Treasurer shall control the proper use of the umbrella’s funds.
15. The Financial Year.
The financial year of the umbrella shall be a date after the anniversary of its formation. On the financial year all the books of accounts shall be closed for stock-take and audited in preparation for the AGM.
16. ARTICLE 10: The Settlement of Disputes.
> Umhlahlo shall convene adhoc disciplinary subcommittees to summarily handle case of disputes and discipline at different levels of the organization; which shall be presided over by chairpersons.
> Any next higher level of the disciplinary sub-committee of Umhlahlo shall be an appeal body.
> The national disciplinary committee shall be the highest internal appeal organ.
> All external disputes within Umhlahlo shall be referred to the court of law.
17. ARTICLE 11: The Amendments of the Constitution.
The Amendments to the constitution of Umhlahlo shall be made by the Summit Assemble pending the authentication of the National Congress. Such a motion shall be passed with a two third majority.
18. ARTICLE 12: The Winding-up/Dissolution.
Umhlahlo may be dissolved by a resolution of an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting attended by two thirds of the registered members. The notice of such a meeting shall be given at least three months before the date of such a meeting. The assets of the umbrella shall be disposed by the court as per a resolution of its winding members.
19. ARTICLE 13: The Approval of the Constitution.
This constitution was approved by the general meeting of its forerunners on.................................................................at........................................................................as the by-laws of Umhlahlo we Sizwe sika Mthwakazi.
Signed by the steering leadership on behalf of over ................................other co-founders.
DESGNATION. FULL NAME. NAT: I.D. & ADDRESS. SIGNATURE.
1. Chairperson: .............................. ...................................... .......................
......................................
......................................
2. Sercetary ............................. ...................................... ......................
......................................
......................................
3. Treasurer .............................. ...................................... .....................
.......................................
........................................
WITNESSES. FULL NAME NAT. ID. NO. SIGNATURE
1 ........................................ ............................. ...........................
2 ....................................... ............................. ...........................
3 ....................................... ........................... ...........................
4 ........................................ ........................... .........................
5 ........................................ ............................ ........................
6 ........................................ ........................... .......................
7 ........................................ ............................. ....................... 8 ........................................ ............................ ........................
9 ...................................... ............................ ........................
10 ..................................... ............................ ........................
The Special Conditions:
This constitution was drafted by the founding members of the umbrella organization of all the interested people of Matabeleland and purports to express the will of the entire community. Therefore the fulfillment of the following conditions is obligatory in order to acquire the authenticity of the document:
a) The founding members should circulate, publish or disseminate the document to all the concerned members of the community.
b) An Extra-Ordinary Meeting attended by the properly accredited representatives of all the sections of such a community should be convened to adopt the constitution.
c) The interim leadership of the founding members should retire before an impartial returning officer and hand over the leadership to the substantive NEC thereby duly elected by such a meeting. This does not overrule the re-election of the retiring office bearers at the pleasure of the voters.
NB. Thus said it does not prejudice the obligations of the interim leadership to exercise the dictates of the constitution as the provisional bye laws once registered.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Jonathan Moyo has a right to take part in any initiative
This is in reply to Masola Wadabudabu's article on Jonathan Moyo's eligibility to take part in a coalilation. Jonathan Moyo should be involved in any initiative aimed at bettering the life of Zimbabweans and the economic situation in the country. He has the right to involved in any coalation as long as he is willing and can contribute positively. Its true that there were a lot of changes that he brought during his time as the Minister of Information.
There was an increase in the local content on television and radio some of it did not even deserve airplay.The real question is do we want local content on our stations or not. We do want local content but it has to be of stomachable quality. This then takes us to the script writters the directors producers and actors/actresses themselves, do we have a quality of actors that really hit the mark? The answer is a resounding no. There is nothing wrong with palying local content look at other countries like Botswana, most of their programs are in SeTswana, South Africa's SABC TV channels they display pride in being South African , need i give more examples. The problem with Zimbabwe is that the words Zimbabwe and Zanu Pf now mean the same thing.
Increasing the amouint of local content on tv was an opportunity for local artists to up their game, it was saying here is a chance to be aired but give us quality. So the issue is with quality control and not the amount of local content. Control the quality of programs aired and have a happy viewership. The other factor is the continued tribal dominance of Shona shows on tv. Amakhosi has good quality shows that are even shown in New Zealand and America, but not in Zimbabwe, but in ZTV there is a recycling of old and boring Shona dramas. Ndebele shows do not last on air look at S'titsha, Amakorokoza, to name a few that survived the tribal dominance that has haunted Ndebele shows long before and after Jonathan Moyo was Mininster of information.
Daily news, while it proved to be against the gvt at the time of its bombing let not forget that was infact a Jeff Nyarota editorial. This is the same Nyarota that advocated for the deployment of the fifth brigade in Matabeleland and the Midlands during the "Momentof Madness". Nyarota specifically asked for the fifth brigade not the first or the second not even the third but the fifth he knew what it was doing in those areas and he agreed with it he was singing praises for the killers and even requesting for reinforcement so they kill even more efficiently. Masola is this the man we should cry for when his newspaper is bombed. Why should we trust Jeff, how do we know that The Daily News was not sour grapes, after the end of his time as gvt mouthpiece. He no longer stands in good terms with gvt Jeff now wants to join hands with everyone to see Zanu Pf out? Excuse me?(M Wadabudabu 2008)
Don't get me wrong i seriously did not like the content of what was on our airwaves and tv.Like i said it was poor quality it did not deserve airplay. But there was an Inbalance in terms of access to broadcasts that had to be fixed. Why should one part of the country have access to more than 5 local channels including a second free to air, yet the other pat of the country suffers with one, Johnno had to do something now sisonke.
Its funny how people always choose to look at the negative when looking at Moyo's time in office. He did some positive things to local communitties. Prof made donations to schools that the old guard had not made he donated computers , that brought smiles to the kids in those rural schools who now know what a computer is and can use it. He donated monies to develop schools in the region, I was in Tsholotsho during the 2000 drought Prof ensured there were trucks of maize meal that were brought out , not only in Tsholotsho but in other areas such as Nkayi ,Lupane you name it, something that none of the old guard from Matabeleland were taking part in. Today there are communitties that benefit from boreholes that Prof ensured were drilled while he was still in office. There is a man capable of looking after his constituency if given the time and power. Thats positive Wadabudabu.
I know and understand that the MDC is still reeling from the after effects of the Moyo era but come on get over it. Look at Morgan so arroagnt and so out of ideas, do you honestly believe that he would have made a good president, does he really understand the nature of the white community he is dealing with? I doubt. That 2000 election was more of a protest vote than anything else. Now he has swept an opportunity to stand as one and focus on fighting BOB, does he really think he stll has support in Matabeleland, he lost it when the people got to learn his true nature.
There was an increase in the local content on television and radio some of it did not even deserve airplay.The real question is do we want local content on our stations or not. We do want local content but it has to be of stomachable quality. This then takes us to the script writters the directors producers and actors/actresses themselves, do we have a quality of actors that really hit the mark? The answer is a resounding no. There is nothing wrong with palying local content look at other countries like Botswana, most of their programs are in SeTswana, South Africa's SABC TV channels they display pride in being South African , need i give more examples. The problem with Zimbabwe is that the words Zimbabwe and Zanu Pf now mean the same thing.
Increasing the amouint of local content on tv was an opportunity for local artists to up their game, it was saying here is a chance to be aired but give us quality. So the issue is with quality control and not the amount of local content. Control the quality of programs aired and have a happy viewership. The other factor is the continued tribal dominance of Shona shows on tv. Amakhosi has good quality shows that are even shown in New Zealand and America, but not in Zimbabwe, but in ZTV there is a recycling of old and boring Shona dramas. Ndebele shows do not last on air look at S'titsha, Amakorokoza, to name a few that survived the tribal dominance that has haunted Ndebele shows long before and after Jonathan Moyo was Mininster of information.
Daily news, while it proved to be against the gvt at the time of its bombing let not forget that was infact a Jeff Nyarota editorial. This is the same Nyarota that advocated for the deployment of the fifth brigade in Matabeleland and the Midlands during the "Momentof Madness". Nyarota specifically asked for the fifth brigade not the first or the second not even the third but the fifth he knew what it was doing in those areas and he agreed with it he was singing praises for the killers and even requesting for reinforcement so they kill even more efficiently. Masola is this the man we should cry for when his newspaper is bombed. Why should we trust Jeff, how do we know that The Daily News was not sour grapes, after the end of his time as gvt mouthpiece. He no longer stands in good terms with gvt Jeff now wants to join hands with everyone to see Zanu Pf out? Excuse me?(M Wadabudabu 2008)
Don't get me wrong i seriously did not like the content of what was on our airwaves and tv.Like i said it was poor quality it did not deserve airplay. But there was an Inbalance in terms of access to broadcasts that had to be fixed. Why should one part of the country have access to more than 5 local channels including a second free to air, yet the other pat of the country suffers with one, Johnno had to do something now sisonke.
Its funny how people always choose to look at the negative when looking at Moyo's time in office. He did some positive things to local communitties. Prof made donations to schools that the old guard had not made he donated computers , that brought smiles to the kids in those rural schools who now know what a computer is and can use it. He donated monies to develop schools in the region, I was in Tsholotsho during the 2000 drought Prof ensured there were trucks of maize meal that were brought out , not only in Tsholotsho but in other areas such as Nkayi ,Lupane you name it, something that none of the old guard from Matabeleland were taking part in. Today there are communitties that benefit from boreholes that Prof ensured were drilled while he was still in office. There is a man capable of looking after his constituency if given the time and power. Thats positive Wadabudabu.
I know and understand that the MDC is still reeling from the after effects of the Moyo era but come on get over it. Look at Morgan so arroagnt and so out of ideas, do you honestly believe that he would have made a good president, does he really understand the nature of the white community he is dealing with? I doubt. That 2000 election was more of a protest vote than anything else. Now he has swept an opportunity to stand as one and focus on fighting BOB, does he really think he stll has support in Matabeleland, he lost it when the people got to learn his true nature.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Why many will not vote for Morgan or Mugabe
There is a sad development in Zimbabwe's political field at the present moment. The MDC factions failed to reach a compromise on the united front in the coming elections. Is it greed that has brought us this far. Personally i believe that Morgan should stand aside and let somebody else lead the opposition in a United front. Morgan has failed to win elections that were clearly in his favour, i personally voted for him but alas, he lost. While i cannot dispute that votes could have been rigged but why are they always rigged in Mashonaland all the time. I remember in the late 1990s Morgan was so powerful, infact he was so powerful that when he called for a stay-away you could hear "ibhungayezi libhuza emgwaqweni" (streets would be deserted).
Morgan has discredited himself in the court of public opion and in the face of the public by commiting a series of blunders, and being involved in brawls bodering on corruption. Infact Morgan has dicredited himself so much that some feel that replacing Mugabe with Morgan is like taking off a pair of jeans and putting on a pair of tracksuit pants and then claim to be naked.
Morgan took money from the white farmers this and his close association with Britain put him in an awkward position and he could not stand clear on key issues such as land. We all know that land redistributionn was going to take place although many of us disagree with the way it was done. By failing to be clear on the land issue and by standing with the Britons, Morgan missed an opportunity to woo an election thump card THE WAR VETERANS who at the time were up in arms aginst the gvt of the day.
We have seen Morgan using recyclied and tired strategies in an attempt to tackle the gvt.By calling for stay-aways that are not taken seriously by any one, by repeatedly being assulted at rallies he calls for, knowing fully that he is putting people's lives in danger clearly demonstrates that he has run out of ideas on how to tackle the current gvt.
Morgan displayed a blantant disregard of democracy and its democratic processes by attempteing to overule the decision of the national body that voted in favour of holding senate elections and that had a devastating result of the infamous split.He further advocated for violence against those that he regarded as renegades of the party, yep, you gussed it he has a little Mugabe in him.
Recently Morgan was involved in a vignette of corruption, deceit and villainy aimed at propelling his close associates or those associated with his close associates, to key posts within the party both locally and abroad.
For the past 8 years Mugabe has wailed that the Britons are responsible for the ills that have befallen Zimbabwe, in turn Morgan has blamed mugabe.What is the point is that Mugabe as the incumbernt leader has failed to protect his country against forign forces hence he is useless as a leader.Morgan has failed to oust Bob hence the need to try a new strategy with different people.It is time for both to get out and laeve the political scene. They are both not presidential material.
Morgan has discredited himself in the court of public opion and in the face of the public by commiting a series of blunders, and being involved in brawls bodering on corruption. Infact Morgan has dicredited himself so much that some feel that replacing Mugabe with Morgan is like taking off a pair of jeans and putting on a pair of tracksuit pants and then claim to be naked.
Morgan took money from the white farmers this and his close association with Britain put him in an awkward position and he could not stand clear on key issues such as land. We all know that land redistributionn was going to take place although many of us disagree with the way it was done. By failing to be clear on the land issue and by standing with the Britons, Morgan missed an opportunity to woo an election thump card THE WAR VETERANS who at the time were up in arms aginst the gvt of the day.
We have seen Morgan using recyclied and tired strategies in an attempt to tackle the gvt.By calling for stay-aways that are not taken seriously by any one, by repeatedly being assulted at rallies he calls for, knowing fully that he is putting people's lives in danger clearly demonstrates that he has run out of ideas on how to tackle the current gvt.
Morgan displayed a blantant disregard of democracy and its democratic processes by attempteing to overule the decision of the national body that voted in favour of holding senate elections and that had a devastating result of the infamous split.He further advocated for violence against those that he regarded as renegades of the party, yep, you gussed it he has a little Mugabe in him.
Recently Morgan was involved in a vignette of corruption, deceit and villainy aimed at propelling his close associates or those associated with his close associates, to key posts within the party both locally and abroad.
For the past 8 years Mugabe has wailed that the Britons are responsible for the ills that have befallen Zimbabwe, in turn Morgan has blamed mugabe.What is the point is that Mugabe as the incumbernt leader has failed to protect his country against forign forces hence he is useless as a leader.Morgan has failed to oust Bob hence the need to try a new strategy with different people.It is time for both to get out and laeve the political scene. They are both not presidential material.
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