Beverly Bizeki

Zimbabwe’s only female presidential candidate and president of the United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) Elisabeth Valerio has said her presidential ambitions were not influenced by the need to join the Political Actor’s Dialogue (POLAD or any other benefits but to better the lives of Zimbabweans unlike other politicians.

Valerio was speaking during a special interview with TellZim Editor Passmore Kuzipa at Chevron Hotel in Masvingo where she said there was nothing for her in politics except that she wanted a good life for Zimbabweans.

“There is nothing I want in politics besides a better future for Zimbabwe, I have money, I have everything that I need, and there is nothing which politics can give me that I do not already have.

“People say to me you are into it because you want to join POLAD, because you want cars but I have cars and houses, I’m just not happy with the state of our country, I know that people died for a better Zimbabwe but there is still no equality in this country as only a few are benefitting and the ordinary person is suffering,” said Valerio.

Asked how the political terrain has been for her as a female candidate, Valerio said there has been a mixed response with some supporting her as a female leader while others are finding it difficult to shift from patriarchy.

“People in our society still have a mentality or culture where they do not see women as leaders nor believe a woman can lead Zimbabwe but I think the response I have been getting now as I have been touring Zimbabwe meeting people face to face is different, they are saying it is time for a woman so I think it is a mixed response.

“Some people think that only men should lead while at the same time a majority of our young people are seeing the potential of what a woman can bring into politics.  On the other hand women are excited at the opportunity to be represented at the highest level,” said Valerio.

Valerio said her manifesto was unique and citizen driven in that it was informed by people whom she asked about their concerns.

“The manifesto is in four parts, it starts with accountability. Citizens across the country have said they want a Zimbabwe where there is a different type of environment with a government which answers to people, a government that is transparent and ensures separation of powers in terms of the law.

“Government should stop meddling in our courts and security services, we want accountability where institutions have separate roles and functions and where government gets out of the way,” said Valerio.

Valerio also said the manifesto addresses issues of advancement, stability and restoration.

“Zimbabwe is one of the wealthiest countries in the world yet we are an impoverished nation. As UZA we want to build a nation that is thriving in terms of industry, we want to look at responsible ways to manage our natural resources.

“We are seeing a lot of exploitation of our natural resources but we are not seeing it translating into economic advancement,” said Valerio.

Valerio had a hard time getting onto the ballot paper after her papers were rejected at the nomination court for late submission.

She however, managed to fight her way through until the electoral court granted her permission last month.

UZA is a two year old political party and is the only party with a female presidential candidate after Linda Masarira of LEAD failed to make it on the ballot since she failed to raise the required amount of US$20 000 on time.

Beverly Bizeki

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) president Nelson Chamisa has promised President Emmerson Mnangagwa a leader of opposition post in Parliament after the August 23 elections saying Zanu PF will now be the opposition party in Zimbabwe.
Addressing thousands of party members gathered at the CCC presidential rally held at Mamutse Stadium in Masvingo on August 13, Chamisa said he had come to Masvingo to address people for the last time before getting into a new Zimbabwe.
“I will give Mnangagwa his seat as opposition leader in parliament when we get into power as well as the facilities he is having. That is the new government. I will invite him to state functions and give him his pension” said Chamisa.
Chamisa said he will work on projects and promises that Mnangagwa failed to fulfill during his reign.
“In Masvingo we had the Cold Storage Commission (CSC) which Mnangagwa previously said he will reopen and failed, zvaakuda mukomana (that now needs me).
“He said he will upgrade the Harare – Beitbridge road to have four lanes but he failed and only added one, zvaakuda mukomana.
“He said he will address the lithium issue so that it is beneficiated before export and he failed but I will fix that, he had also said he will restore Masvingo as the ancient city and failed too but I will fix that,” said Chamisa.
Chamisa also said he had plans to make Masvingo a logistics hub in a bid to upgrade the city and accord it the status it deserves as the oldest city in the country.
“Masvingo is the oldest city but there is nothing to show for the city’s old age, there are very few robots and tall buildings to show the city is expanding but if you vote for me I will make Masvingo a logistics hub and make it an international destination while decentralizing Harare in the process,” said Chamisa.
Chamisa also said he will ensure that minerals are processed and beneficiated where they are mined so that the country can benefit from its minerals and avoid looting.
“When we get into office there is no mine that will release minerals without being processed, factories will be found at the mines and be processed there. Other countries have to come and see lithium batteries made in Zimbabwe kwete zvemukoma wangu uyu wekuti kungopiwa kiss namai vepa next door votosiya netsvimbo dzehushe, (not what my brother does, when he is kissed by a woman next door, he relinquishes power). In our government no minerals will leave the country; everything shall be retained here,” said Chamisa.
He said he will use minerals in the country to create employment as unemployment continues to rise.
“This issue of having 60 minerals with a high rate of unemployment is an insult, our minerals are able to create employment for us. South Africans have to come and look for work here and those in the diaspora will return home. People will know Zimbabwe has the strongest currency in Africa,” said Chamisa.
He went on to mock the police officers who were trying to stop him from addressing on the guise of time saying they should stop taking orders from Zanu PF since it will not be in government come August 23.
“Our police should not continue taking orders from Zanu PF because an outgoing government cannot be powerful than the incoming. Ndanzwa kuti varemerwa uku vakunetsa ka munoziva demon hariendi nechimbi chimbi rinombopfinha pfinha ka asi hakuna rwendo rwuno ndakarima mhiripiri, hweshero inoparara chete (I heard they are bothering us. Its normal, a demon does not just leave, it will make attempts to stay but this time I have planted Chilli so the baboon will definitely suffer,” said Chamisa.
With only a few days left before election, Chamisa said he had come to bid farewell to the old Zimbabwe before it is ushered into a new Zimbabwe which is to be voted into power.
“The country is waiting for progress, it is waiting for prosperity, I have seen that it is not proper for me to have a celebration before bidding farewell to the old Zimbabwe because we want to build a new Zimbabwe, a new spirit in the industries, government and everywhere,” said Chamisa.