AS the debate on the Freedom of the City rages on, a Matabeleland lobby group Mthwakazi Youth Leaders Joint Resolution (MYLJR) yesterday suggested that National Healing Integration and Reconciliation co-minister Moses Mzila-Ndlovu must be given the honour for fighting injustices perpetrated on the people of Matabeleland.
Report by Blondie Ndebele
Speaking at the group’s first anniversary celebrations at Presbyterian Church on Saturday, MYLJR spokesperson Mqondisi Moyo said they valued the work done by Mzila-Ndlovu in fighting for the interests of the Matabeleland region.
“We have resolved that the honour be given to Mzila-Ndlovu who has been arrested countless times for addressing issues of Gukurakundi in Matabeleland,” he said. “He deserves the award and we do not need approval from anyone. The Bulawayo City Council award will be just an insignificant symbol, but ours is a true honour from works that can be seen.”
In an interview yesterday, Bulawayo Mayor Thaba Moyo said the council was yet to discuss the issue and residents should leave the council to the task as was the norm with the past councils.
“Everyone can qualify to be a candidate of the Freedom of the City award, I can also qualify, every Bulawayo person can qualify because they also think they have done something for this city, but it does not work that way,” he said.
Moyo said the issue was going to be dealt with by council and they did not need any suggestions from residents.
“We just have to do things the right way, you cannot stop people from saying what they want, but life goes on anyway,” Moyo continued.
- 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
“People should learn to respect the decision made by the council, period. As of now, the decision has not been reached yet because the issue is yet to be discussed in the council soon, once it is done it will be final.”
Moyo said they were going to select the way the other previous councils were doing it and how it was going to be done by those who will come after them.
Council’s plans to give the highest civic honour to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, his deputy Thokozani Khupe and Water Resources minister Samuel Sipepa Nkomo has ignited heated debate with MDC-T councillors being accused of partisanship.
