INFORMATION minister Jonathan Moyo has rolled out development projects for the Tsholotsho North constituency on a scale equal to the early 2000s when he was campaigning for a parliamentary seat.
BY NQOBANI NDLOVU
Voted in as an independent legislator, first in 2005, his projects soon dried out.
But with the Tsholotsho North seat now declared vacant, Moyo has rolled up his sleeves again launching a mega project, but the question is whether more projects would be coming if he is elected as the legislator for the area, or this could be an elaborate vote-buying scheme.
Moyo has since ensured that the government would take over the building of a stadium for Tsholotsho FC at a cost of $4,5 million to the taxpayer.
In the early 2000s Moyo was not a very popular character, but he introduced several projects, and was fired from Zanu PF on the eve of elections. He decided to deploy the victim card and ride on the underdog tag.
Under Moyo, a road linking the business centre with local council offices was widened and tarred, tower lights were erected around the business centre, a scholarship fund targeting the disadvantaged in the area was launched, schools were refurbished and got A Level status and he donated computers and initiated other projects.
But some were not impressed, with Umguza legislator, Obert Mpofu, infamously quipping that there was no need for a tower light in Tsholotsho, as it would only illuminate the way for lizards.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Analysts said despite a chequered past, Moyo would likely win the seat in a by-election, even if the MDCs contested, owing to his industry and influence, as seen recently with push to have the government build a stadium for Tsholotsho FC.
“There is no doubt Jonathan is one of the most influential politicians in Zanu PF and the government at the present moment and if history is anything to go by, one would give him the benefit of the doubt that he would manage to bring some development in Tsholotsho,” Bulawayo Agenda official, Butholezwe Nyathi, said.
“We have already seen his efforts in bringing stakeholders together to try and build a stadium in Tsholotsho.”
Trust Matsilele, a South-based political commentator, said Tsholotsho was important to Moyo for political power projects.
“His access to State resources will surely benefit the people of Tsholotsho,” he said.
“There is a convergence of interests; his power project and the need for people of Tsholotsho for development,” Matsilele said, but noted that despite the case “there is a general resentment towards his politics”.
Nyathi was in agreement, indicating that “the impression is that you cannot engineer for the highest office in the land when you have no established political power base of your own”.
“Should he become MP then his political stamina will be enhanced,” Nyathi said.
“Even in terms of provincial politics, his political stature will be significantly boosted in light of competition for ‘kingmaker ‘ in the province.”
This is a title he will have to battle out with Mpofu, who has in the past claimed he was most senior in the province.
Already there have been indications of the two trading barbs, but Moyo could soon have the upper hand in the quest for seniority, as he has Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda and politburo member, Sithembiso Nyoni, on his side.
