The Sunday Mail
By Sunday Mail Reporter
7 July 2013
Following the sitting of the Nomination Court almost a fortnight ago, all candidates who will square off in parliamentary elections on July 31 are already preparing for the race. Whether favoured contenders will crumble, pretenders pummelled and victors bask in glory will be determined on this day. This week, The Sunday Mail looks at some of the intriguing duels likely to emerge in some National Assembly constituencies.
Tussle of the Doctors
Dr Philip Chiyangwa vs Dr Peter Mataruse
Dr Philip Chiyangwa (Zanu-PF) — is a man who needs no introduction. One of Zimbabwe’s well-known businessmen, Dr Chiyangwa has made a spectacular return to politics after previously serving the constituency between 2000 and 2005. With his trademark riches in hand, he has embarked on a vigorous campaign in the town where he has enjoyed popularity for years. Having been recently conferred with an honorary doctorate in philosophy, the property mogul’s curriculum vitae is among the most colourful.
During his time as a legislator, Dr Chiyangwa made news headlines after he moved a motion calling for the axing of Chief Justice Anthony Gubbay, who was accused of supporting white farmers who had refused to comply with Government’s empowerment policies.
Dr Peter Matarutse (MDC-T) — The Chinhoyi-based medical doctor is not new in political circles as he once served as Mayor of Chinhoyi. He sailed through as a candidate for his party after beating the then incumbent, Mr Stewart Garadhi. During his tenure as Mayor, Dr Matarutse served as a Zanu-PF member. He is viewed as a technocrat, which could help him in the contest.
Mabvuku-Tafara : the urban testÂ
Cde Godwills Masimirembwa vs Mr James Maridadi Cde Godwills Masimirembwa (Zanu-PF) — This may be one battle in which the notion that Harare is an MDC-T stronghold will be put to the test. The Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) chairman has been carrying out philanthropic work in the constituency through his non-governmental organisation, the Godwills Masimirembwa Trust. Mr Masimirembwa is also the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Institute of Legal Studies.
Mr James Maridadi (MDC-T) — He rose to prominence as a radio disc jockey and power utility Zesa Holdings spokesman. He made a surprise switch when he was appointed Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s spokesperson after the formation of the inclusive Government. He was, however, deemed a victim of senior MDC-T officials who felt he did not have a strong political history. He was later replaced by journalist Luke Tamborinyoka.
Masvingo Urban
Dr Daniel Shumba vs Mr Tongai Matutu. Dr Shumba (Zanu-PF) —Business tycoon Dr Shumba is one of the many “comeback kids†in Zanu-PF. A former Zanu-PF chairman for Masvingo, he is also a retired colonel, having served in the Zimbabwe National Army. He, however, left Zanu-PF in 2006 after being part of senior party officials that conducted a controversial meeting in Tsholotsho. After leaving Zanu-PF, Dr Shumba went on to form the United People’s Party (UPP) where he served as the interim president. He, however, rejoined Zanu-PF in 2010 and his comeback was later endorsed by the Politburo.
Mr Tongai Matutu (MDC-T) — The Deputy Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment gets into this contest after he only narrowly managed to sail through in his party’s primary elections. A lawyer by profession, the jury is still out on his performance in the inclusive Government. In September 2010, Mr Matutu allegedly slapped and punched Chief Serima at Matizha Business Centre. Masvingo magistrate Mr Oliver Mudzongachiso on Thursday found him guilty and ordered him to pay a fine of US$100.
Bulawayo East — labour and law meetÂ
Ms Tabita Khumalo vs Mr David Coltart Mr Coltart (MDC) — The Minister of Education, Arts, Sport and Culture, who served as a Senator in the Seventh Parliament, has chosen to run for a National Assembly seat. During his tenure in Government, Mr Coltart experienced mixed fortunes. He was credited with recording some achievements in the ministry and is generally regarded as a hard working public servant.
One of the lowest points of his tenure was when he was adjudged to have played an influential role in the awarding of a tender for the printing of books to a British-owned publishing firm, Longman, ahead of indigenous companies that include Zimbabwe Publishing House, Mambo Press and College Press. He also, it was alleged, attempted to smuggle Western ideology into the country via literature that contains dodgy political undertones.
Ms Khumalo (MDC-T) — A vocal political operator known for her no-holds-barred approach, she courted controversy after saying she had mobilised more than 300 prostitutes in Bulawayo to make them join a representative union under which their activities would be legalised.
“Yes, I have so far mobilised more than 300 commercial sex workers. I want them to form a union and make them sign a petition that will seek to decriminalise their activities. They are workers, just like you and me. I do not see any harm in them being unionised. I will, therefore, help them join worker representative unions such as the ZCTU so that they get the recognition and services that other workers’ unions in the country are getting,†she was quoted as saying.
At grassroots, she is known as a community mobiliser. Well, the die has been cast, the gloves are off and it is game on.