The Talk of Legacy

Many politicians approaching the end of their tenure look for something meaningful to accomplish so they can leave a great legacy. Hon. Tabitha Khumalo, MP for Bulawayo East, is not one of those politicians.  This fearless MDC cadre’s work ethic demands that she leaves a Legacy in every place she is found. She challenges all the people that she meets to do and be better, to care about those living under the oppressive regime of Robert Mugabe. While softly spoken, this diminutive woman has achieved something that her more flamboyant peers have been unsuccessful at.

In September 2011 Southend-on-Sea branch took the unprecedented action of inviting Hon. Tabitha Khumalo. She was met at Gatwick airport by a contingent from the South East District. She was whisked away to the Labour Party conference upon arrival.  During her visit she met with members of the South East District that had been removed from the MDC UK & Ireland website for querying the process of the Leeds elections. The MDC UK & Ireland Provincial executive then created a non-elected parallel structure for the South East. There was major division in the party because of this. The matter was not dealt with by Harare which caused a further rift. Hon. Tabitha Khumalo met with Branches in the South East. In a stirring speech delivered in Oxford she beseeched South East District branches to work with UK & Ireland Executive to further the interests of the Movement of Democratic Change.  She explained that her work as the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) representative in the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC) involves her working with people who do not embrace the principles of democracy and respect for human rights. JOMIC was created January 2009 to oversee the implementation of the 27 articles of the Global Political Agreement.  She said if she could get up every morning to work with members of ZANU-PF, the MDC in the UK and Ireland could work together. She reminded all that there was only one MDC-T.

Hon. Tabitha Khumalo, met and spoke to many leaders all over the UK. She talked about her vision of a united MDC-T that worked for the people of Zimbabwe. She challenged people that voted to hold their leaders accountable. She also met with apolitical groups that represent the interests of Zimbabweans in the UK like Southend Zimbabwe Network (SZN) where she explained what was happening in Zimbabwe and the challenges the people faced. She challenged all Zimbabweans in the UK & Ireland to create a blueprint of how they wanted to contribute to getting Zimbabwe back on her feet again.

Hon. Tabitha Khumalo’s visit culminated in the MDC UK & Ireland Provincial Executive engaging with the South East District that resulted in the restoration of South East District Executive. She met with the Mayor and council leaders in Southend-on-Sea where she secured scholarships to the University of East Anglia valued at about £48,000.

Hon. Tabitha Khumalo has left the MDC UK & Ireland a legacy of unity. We are transfixed on the task ahead of liberating Zimbabwe from the violent grip of  ZANU-PF. The party is strong and enjoying a surge in membership. More Branches are being created. People are positive and passionate about working for a better Zimbabwe. All this is a result of one remarkable woman’s vision for her party and her country. Hon. Tabitha Khumalo is a woman I am indeed proud to work alongside with. May she live long and prosper!

Audrey Charowa

Vice Secretary

MDC South East District

Hon Thabitha Set To Return To UK 2012

Preparations are all set for the return of Honourable Thabitha Khumalo to finalise her business trip to Uk last year. Sibangani Machingauta ,Mdc Southend on sea Chief Security and logistics manager can confirm that the partnership between Zimbabwe and NHS Southend University Hospital will be finalised during her return to the United Kingdom.Sibangani has been in constant communication with Rushkin  University authorities and the Mayor of Southend On Sea on the issue of  scholarships to benfit Zimbabweans here and back home.

Xmas Message From The District Chair

I look back at 2011 as a year that was full of challenges for us as a District more-so, our leadership and members in Zimbabwe who have been harassed and tormented by ZANU (PF) at every turn of the clock. Since my election on the 21^st February 2011 as Chair of the South East District, it has been a real honour for me to work with a team of cadres who understand democracy and stand for the opinion of the electorate without hesitation. Yes, we have had our own regrets and hopefully we have learnt from them but most importantly, South East is a united District, our tireless commitment to helping others and the practical human approach to social problems has had a positive impact within the communities where we hail from.  If our beloved Zimbabwe is to see the dream of freedom we all yearn for, we have a mighty task ahead of us and I am pleased to note that things are starting to take shape. Branches have started the process of reorganisation and are gearing themselves to assume responsibilities that will see the Movement for Democratic Change takeover as the democratically elected government of Zimbabwe. Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices taken by our Party leadership and the membership, some have lost limbs, others have been maimed and a substantial number have lost lives in the fight for a just and democratic Zimbabwe, their efforts are not in vain as the game is coming to a close! To those who have lost their lives in the struggle, Rest in Peace Comrades, for, forever we shall remember you! 

2012 is not going to be an easy year, the current pronouncements of impending elections has seen an upsurge in incidents of political violence against our leaders and party cadres, of whom  a number remain incarcerated on frivolous charges having been declined bail by partisan courts. The challenges facing us as part of an external assembly are immense and require more than, shouting, sloganeering and song! These challenges demand that we commit time and resources to the Zimbabwean struggle. As we go into the festive mood I would like all of us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, this time, with the dawn of a new era in the emancipation of Zimbabwe. The current wave of change on the political front in Africa and elsewhere in the world is a welcome experience for victims of tyrannical regimes and Zimbabweans pray for the day when we they can celebrate true freedom. I am calling upon all our warriors religious and political to do everything possible to influence change in Zimbabwe.  In South East England, the Women and Youth Assembly have a lot more to do in terms of mobilisation and establishing an effective means of communication. The role women and the youth play in any struggle is pivotal and cannot be overstated. As a District, we shall ensure the availability of resources required to catalyse and step up the pace of change in the course of the Zimbabwean struggle.

I am sure as a District we are all geared up for the trying times ahead and we are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe in the final push to finish what we started. This is the time and it cannot be any better a time for us to demand our freedom and democratic space in our beloved country Zimbabwe. This is the final phase and let us remain  united till final victory as the destination is now in sight, let us do all we can to allow the Captain sail the ship to shore safely!

I am convinced 2011 was a great year and that we learnt a lot, however 2012 brings a more challenging environment that requires us all to act decisively and exploit the opportunities at our disposal, to eradicate obstacles standing in our way so we can liberate and deliver a free Zimbabwe to the oppressed children of Zimbabwe.

I wish all of you and colleagues in this external assembly a very Merry Christmas and may 2012 guide us into happiness, health and success!

Khama Matambanadzo

District Chair

South East England