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Sikhanyiso Ndlovu speaks out on region

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ZANU PF politburo member Sikhanyiso Ndlovu yesterday challenged government officials to uphold the spirit of the 1987 Unity Accord and address the marginalisation of Matabeleland region through equitable distribution of resources.

ZANU PF politburo member Sikhanyiso Ndlovu yesterday challenged government officials to uphold the spirit of the 1987 Unity Accord and address the marginalisation of Matabeleland region through equitable distribution of resources.

VENERANDA LANGA SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER

Addressing journalists at his private offices in Harare, Ndlovu, who is Zanu PF secretary for education in the politburo, bemoaned lack of development in the region.

The Unity Accord signed between President Robert Mugabe (Zanu PF) and the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo (PF-Zapu) on December 22 1987 led to the formation of a unity government.

Under the pact, the two leaders pledged to equally develop all the country’s provinces.

“To cement this unity, let us have development in Matabeleland. Let us have cattle schemes, support for the small grain schemes as well as industry in Bulawayo and Matabeleland,” Ndlovu said.

“Industries are closing down and as a country that is united, we must put in place deliberate, affirmative action to develop Bulawayo.”

Ndlovu, however, took a swipe at Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa, saying he had never been part of the accord although he benefited from it.

“Those who are saying they pulled out were not even part of the negotiators of the Unity Accord,” he said.

“It was signed on condition that some of our comrades like Dabengwa, who were at Chikurubi Prison, were released.

“Dabengwa was not part of the Unity Accord, but he was a beneficiary because we signed it so that he and others were released from detention.”

However, four years ago, Dabengwa told journalists at the Quill Club in Harare that he had participated in negotiations leading to the signing of the 1987 Unity Accord under protest and was uncomfortable with the pact.

“I told him (Joshua Nkomo) that the name Zanu PF was certainly very provocative to me and I don’t think I want to be associated with that party,” Dabengwa told journalists then.

The former Zipra intelligence supremo was detained alongside the late Zipra commader Lookout Masuku for alleged treason even after the High Court freed them.

Senior Zanu PF officials including Vice-President John Nkomo have publicly trashed sentiments that Matabeleland is marginalised.