ASPIRING independent MP for Bubi, Genniva Sibanda, on Sunday lashed out at Zanu PF Umguza MP Obert Mpofu over his recent pledge to dole out land to soccer legends in Matabeleland North, saying the gesture was a cheap campaign gimmick.
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Mpofu, also Mines and Mining Development minister, last week pledged to assist football legends from Highlanders, Hwange and Zimbabwe Saints to acquire land in Matabeleland North Province.
He made the pledge during New Year Day celebrations which coincided with the launch of a $5 000 soccer tournament at his rural home in Nyamandlovu, a move hailed by the soccer legends.
Sibanda said Mpofu could only be able to offer his privately-owned land.
“It is worth noting that the MP only represents Umguza,” he said.
“He is not the Matabeleland North spokesperson.
“In Bubi we advocate for accountability, trust and transparency in land distribution.
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“The MP represents Umguza and should limit his offer to Umguza private land to avoid encroaching into areas which are not under his jurisdiction.
“Football is not charity work, but a profession which is highly rewarding.
“Why is it that now the MP suddenly realises that footballers need retirement land? I smell a rat, actually a dead stinking rat.”
He said Matabeleland North does not belong to Mpofu and he must not be heard calling for people to come and get land at the expense of needy locals.
“By so doing, he is reducing chiefs and the land committees’ powers over land distribution.
“I am not against our former footballers, but I feel it is wrong to use sports persons for political mileage.
“Most of these personalities are rich and able to buy multiple pieces of land to retire to in Zimbabwe and abroad if they want.”
Efforts to contact Mpofu for comment were fruitless as his mobile phone was unreachable yesterday.
