BY WINSTONE ANTONIO PROPRIETOR of local popular eatery, Garwe restaurant Mandy Mvukwe-Chimhini has succumbed to pressure and made a eleventh hour somersault on flying in South African actor and media personality Somizi Buyani Mhlongo-Motaung for the reopening of her restaurant today in Eastlea, Harare.
Somizi had been confirmed as a guest at the red carpet and black-tie event to be officiated by Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa, but his intended visit torched a storm with the Zanu PF youth league leading protests against his visit.
A group of indigenous churches under the banner Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe, which was also against Somizi’s visit, on Monday wrote to President Emmerson Mnangagwa with the letter copied to Home Affairs minister, president of the Chiefs Council Fortune Charumbira, Zinatha president and chairman of Harare province expressing their displeasure.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Zanu PF acting deputy secretary for youth affairs Tendai Chirau said Zimbabwe did not accept homosexuality.
“The homosexuality issue is clear as expressed in our Constitution. We are conservative in nature so it’s not proper for anyone to invite a well-known person whose sexuality is opposed to the views and the Constitution of this country,” he said.
“Yes, we are aware that he was coming as a chef, but you cannot separate him from what he does because he is really clear about what he does. We know that Zimbabwe is open for business, we would appreciate it if there is another chef.
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“There are many good chefs that can be part of that good programme and it’s important that such people are invited.”
He added: “We don’t want to invite some characters who have a checkered history and also whose views and morals do not relate well with the conservative nature of Zimbabweans.
“That is our position which is clear and sound and we do not regret it.”
Chirau said he engaged Mvukwe-Chimhini expressing their concerns and those of different groups over Somizi’s invitation.
“I am glad to announce that the owner took heed of the great concerns and elected to remove Somizi from the guest list and never to associate themselves with him again,” he said.
“As a nation we all need to be alert against the encroachment of foreign and uncouth practices that are against the dictates of our morals and Constitution. The Youth League remains committed to supporting the birth, growth and sustainability of indigenous businesses. Let us remain resolute in upholding our morals and values.”
In its letter, Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe wrote: “Somizi is a homosexual, hence according to our people-driven Constitution, Zimbabwe does not tolerate homosexuality. It is, therefore, our question, that if we allow Somizi to come to our land spiritually we would have been disturbed a lot. And physically we would have openly accepted homosexuality in Zimbabwe, hence affecting our children.”
As Somizi’s replacement, NewsDay Life & Style is reliably informed that another top South African singer, actress and dancer Kelly Khumalo has been roped in.
Mvukwe-Chimhini had not been reached by the time of going to print.
The eatery is famed for serving an assortment of traditional foods.
Follow Winstone on Twitter @widzoanto