Dimokratia Journal - The PSSA Journal of Political Science, Midlands State University, Gweru,...

...igniting passion for politics

Special Edition

DEMOCRACY IN

ZIMBABWE,

HOW FAR?

Nelson Mandela Souvenir

LEARN,

GROW,

LEAD

WORD from the

PSSA PRESIDENT

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Tribute to Mandela Special Edition

DIMOKRATIA JOURNAL The PSSA Journal of Political Science

Issue 1, February 2014

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The Editorial Board wishes to thank all the Lecturers in the Department of Politics and Pub-

lic Management for their support towards the output of this special DIMOKRATIA JOURNAL edition:

Professor Percyslage Chigora Chairperson, Department of Politics and Public Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe Mr Wenceslaus Mudyanadzo Lecturer, Department of Politics and Public Management, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe Patron of the MSU Political Science Students Association—PSSA Mrs Mudzamiri Lecturer, Department of Politics and Public Management, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe Mrs Mutasa Lecturer, Department of Politics and Public Management, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe Mr Chikerema Lecturer, Department of Politics and Public Management, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe Mr Tocque Mude Lecturer, Department of Politics and Public Management, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe Mr Simbarashe Moyo Lecturer, Department of Politics and Public Management, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Dimokratia Journal—The PSSA Journal of Political Science

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Editorial Board

Lisbon Tawanda Chigwenjere PSSA President, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Primrose Mbedzi PSSA Vice President, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Persistance Matanhire PSSA Secretary General, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Calvin Chakabveyo PSSA Treasurer, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Courage Mpofu Public Relations Officer, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Kudzai Zvidzai Research Officer, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Thandiwe Makunike Secretary, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Anesu Marcia Nyazire Committee Member (Level 2:1), Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Blair Mahlangu Committee Member (Level 1:2) , Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

The Editorial Board would like to take this opportunity to thank the Patron of the MSU Political Science Students Association, Mr. Mudyanadzo for inspiring us to achieve our goals and work to-wards the common good. GOD BLESS YOU!


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Contents

Words from the PSSA President 5 Tawanda Chigwenjere

Learn, Grow, Lead: Opportunities & Challenges Facing Young African Leaders 7

PSSA Executive Committee (2013-2014) 9

Nelson Mandela’s Rivonia Trial Speech – EDITED 11

Persistance Matanhire 13 The Old Chameleon and the Coming of the Storm (Poem)

Calvin Chakabveyo 14 Watershed (Poem)

Illet Chirimangonbe (SRC Vice President 2012-2013) 15 Many are Called, Few Are Chosen

On Student Government 17


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Words From The PSSA President On the 5th of December 2013, South Africa‘s first

black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Man-

dela died. The man might have died in the 60s for the

charge of treason, but he was spared from the death

penalty. His idea of African Nationalism, unlike the

Pan-Africanism of his day, was not expressed in the

cry, "drive the white man into the sea." This is what

made him different from everyone else, and this is

what made me admire him. I must confess that before

Nelson Mandela died, I did not know anything about

his ideas. In fact, I did not think that he was a true

hero. I thought he was a sellout, even though I never

knew if this was really true. Well, if Nelson Mandela

was truly a sellout, we might never know the truth,

because whatever he agreed with the National Party

was buried with him six feet deep.

I for one decided to give Mandela the benefit of the

doubt. As portrayed in the movies "Mandela: Long

Walk to Freedom", ―Winnie Mandela" & "Invictus",

the man heroically fought against apartheid. He

fought against the pass laws, and all the unjust laws that made the black South African a second class

citizen. Whilst watching the movies, I was won over by the chants ―Ngaibuye iAfrica!‖ (Come back

Africa!) and ―Amandla Awethu!‖ (Power to the people!) and I felt as if I myself were making my own

humble contribution to the struggle of the African people. I fell in love with his spirit of forgiveness,

reconciliation & love. "No one is born hating another,‖ he said, ―people learn to hate, and if they can

learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its

opposite." After all the 27 years of incarceration, Nelson Mandela was able to come back and forgive

his enemies: ―As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I

didn‘t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I‘d still be in prison.‖ Indeed the man was a hero, a lib-

erator, but how far did Nelson Mandela liberate South Africa? Indeed he brought about political free-

doms and civil rights in South Africa, but did he bring about economic independence? The truth is

that Nelson Mandela was afraid to tackle the bull by the horn. The whites still control the media, judi-

ciary, economy and virtually everything of value in South Africa. Up till now, the land in South Africa

is not yet given back to its original owners - the black majority. I strongly believe in reconciliation and

forgiveness, but I also believe in justice. Justice should run down as waters, and righteousness as a

mighty stream. President Robert Mugabe has actually done well in terms of liberating Zimbabwe eco-

nomically, but for the black man in South Africa, it has been both a long walk to political freedom,

and a very long walk to economic freedom.

I was born a twin on the 28th of May 1993. I‘m a Christian, and I am the outgoing President of the

MSU Writers Club. I am a poet-writer. My works of poetry appear in an American Christian poetry


Lisbon Tawanda Chigwenjere—PSSA President

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anthology titled "Enter the Gateway‖, published by Dallas-based TL Publishing Group. Growing up, I never dreamt of studying Political Science. This however, does not mean that I came here by accident – God had a purpose. I am His handiwork, taking paths which He prepared ahead of time, that I should walk in them. When I first came to Midlands State University, I remember attending a Political Science lecture with Mr. Mudyanadzo, and we were discussing the ideas of Karl Marx. There is a ques-tion that he asked us. It was a question that I was never going to forget: ―When will the world have another Karl Marx from this institution?‖ It was a question that no one answered. I did not answer it either, but as time went on, that question kept on ringing in my mind. I decided to answer it, but to myself: “A greater than Karl Marx is here!!” This semester, we have a lot of activities planned, these include public lectures, exchange programs with other institutes, sporting activities, and so much more. We have already liaised with the UZ Polit-ical Science Society to hold a debate contest or a political discussion on the topic, ―DEMOCRACY IN ZIMBABWE. HOW FAR?‖ Last semester we promised to bring you a political journal, and we have lived up to this promise. This is the first ever PSSA Journal and its purpose is to create a frame-work for expressing opinions without fear and also to encourage creativity in the field. It gives you an opportunity to be heard and an incentive to grow within your academic and professional field of activ-ity. The name of the journal, as you noticed, is ―Dimokratia Journal‖. Dimokratia is the Greek word for Democracy. There isn‘t much in this first edition, but the second edition, which we will issue by the end of the semester, will contain a lot. You are therefore encouraged to submit your papers to the EC to be considered for publication. Hopefully, the next edition of DIMOKRATIA JOURNAL will come out in print format. This semester, we will also embrace volunteerism, for instance, cleaning up the streets and making our community a better place. We will also engage in fundraising activities, and we will all be expected to participate. The more we raise funds, the more activities we will have. Fi-nances are the only thing that could stand between us and some of the activities we have planned. This is why everyone is required to pay semesterly subscriptions. Our theme for this year is ―Igniting Passion for Politics‖. If we are united, we will achieve a lot. No one can stop a people who are united. The whole earth was

once of one language, and man irrationally planned to build a city and a tower whose top would reach

unto heaven, "And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this

they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to

do." (Genesis 11:6). So God confounded their language, that they might not understand each other‘s

speech, and they were scattered abroad and left off to build the city. You see? God himself recognizes

the power of unity. If people are united, they can be able to build a city, a country, a continent, or

even the world, and nothing can be restrained from them, as long as they do not exalt themselves

above God. Let us therefore be united. In Kwame Nkrumah‘s words, ―So many blessings flow from

our unity; so many disasters must follow on our continued disunity.‖ If we are united we will achieve a

lot. This is our year of GREATNESS!!

Let me take this opportunity to welcome all the new students who have joined us in the Department of Politics and Public Management, and the Department of International Relations, and all the return-ing Level 4:1 students. Ladies and gentleman, there is room at the top; see you at the top!! Lisbon Tawanda Chigwenjere PSSA President


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Learn, Grow, Lead: Opportunities & Challenges Facing Young African Leaders On the 16th of January 2014, the United States Embassy held a discussion on the opportunities & challenges facing young African leaders at the Hypercube tech hub in Belgravia, Harare. The President of the MSU Political Science Students Association (PSSA), Tawanda Chigwenjere, had the privilege of attending this discussion. The event was dubbed ―Learn, Grow, Lead: Opportunities & Challenges Facing Young African Leaders.‖ The panelists who graced this event included the U.S Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Bruce Wharton, coordinator of the U.S. State Department Bureau of International Infor-mation Programs, Macon Phillips, agribusiness entrepreneur Simbarashe Mhungu, Delta Ndou of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, and Irene Chikumbo of the Hypercube Hub. The challenges that face young African leaders today include lack of funding, politicization of funds, exorbitant school fees, lack of knowledge, and unemployment. Though the government has failed to fairly and evenly distribute funding to the youths, the young leaders were encouraged not to depend on government funding as there are other funding opportuni-ties offered by both the local and international community. Entrepreneurial opportunities for the young leaders are innumerable. Examples include the tourism , social entrepreneurship, mining, poul-try farming and agriculture. Quoting the words of former U.S. President, J.F. Kennedy, one partici-pant encouraged the young African leaders to stop asking what their country can do for them, and ask what they could do for their country. Africa has a lot of intellectual capital. What we should do is to figure out how we can translate our intellectual capital into tangible dividend, and encourage entrepre-neurship. Leadership is not about managing others, as the notion of many is, but inspiring others to action. In Zimbabwe we are over managed & under led; leaders demand for respect instead of earning it. There is also the issue of merging of national issues into political agendas which hinders youth development, for instance the political party that one supports has a bearing on whether or not a one will receive funding from the government. This is unjust. We can‘t all agree to the same political ideology all the time. There will be something fundamentally wrong with us if we do. Young entrepreneurs were encouraged by the panelists to connect laterally & support one another, instead of going it alone. It was also discovered that the system in Zimbabwe makes it hard for wom-en to have access to opportunities in politics. In response, the coordinator of the U.S. State Depart-ment Bureau of International Information Programs, Macon Phillips said, ―I don‘t think anyone should get into politics. Being a leader is hard and emotionally taxing.‖ Well, this might be shocking to hear, but what I think the man was trying to articulate (for those of us who are already in politics) is that we should not recognize politics as an end in itself. If you are a politician, or policy analyst, act as if you are not one, and whilst engaged in politics, also engage in entrepreneurial initiatives. The prob-lem with African politicians is that they get into power for the erroneous reason of getting rich, but politics on its own can not make one rich. When Gorge Bush got out of power, he went back to run-ning his own businesses, but when African politicians leave power, they become poor – because while they were still in power, they benefited from exploiting public funds. He also went on to say that the reason there was gender imbalance in the U.S. government was because the government was not go-ing to recruit someone just because they were a woman, but on the basis of merit. However, Macon Phillip‘s words bring to questioning the integrity of the U.S in its international call for gender balance. Are they really walking their talk, one might ask?


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Youths should renew their mindsets, and instead of always looking for monetary gain in their service, should embrace the spirit of volunteerism as a way of responding to community needs. Not all critical needs require money, some require only action. This involves cleaning up the streets, and raising awareness on the ills of HIV/AIDS, without expecting money in return. Be creative in your community and mobilize others for solutions. Look around, identify needs & find a creative way to meet those needs. Dream big, but do not be afraid to start small. Money is a slave of ideas. We are coming from a generation which has handed us nothing, where you al-ways have to start from scratch, but instead of cursing the darkness, just light a candle. Become the employer and give back to your society. This generation must build & write its on story. Why can‘t we start something of our own, and stop throwing pity parties for ourselves and waiting for some-one to come and rescue us? There is need for attitude shift. Lets unlearn the attitude of "Age Leads" & embrace the attitude of "Innovation Rules." Any country‘s future depends on its ability 2 generate its own ideas. The greatest resource that any country has is its youth; invest in that resource and you have invested in your coun-try's future. The U.S. Ambassador Bruce Wharton, encouraged Zimbabwean youths to help rural youths understand the importance of smart phones. Smart phones are imperative for community mobilization and access to infor-mation. There is also need for university programs that encourage leader-ship, so that students get more involved in leadership at university level. In closing, Macon Phillips remarked, ―When my one year old son is 18, he will learn about Zimbabwe, he will learn about YOU & the great things you will do for your country.‖ Amen. It‘s not long until the world reads own our success stories. We will leave Zimbabwe better than we met it.


Macon Phillips shakes hands with

PSSA President, Lisbon Tawanda

Chigwenjere

“...lets unlearn the

attitude of "Age Leads"

& embrace the

attitude of "Innovation

Rules."

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My name is Primrose Mbedzi. I‘m 21 years old. I‘m a second year student of Politics and Public Management. I‘m a Chris-tian. I am inspired by such people as Winnie Mandela, who, to-gether with Nelson Mandela, contributed to the independence of South Africa. I have a dream, that one day I will be able to serve my country and build our nation through constructive ideas. I‘m a Feminist, and I cherish the ideals of gender equality and gender equity. In Winnie Mandela‘s words, ―You strike a woman, you strike a rock!‖

Vice President

Treasurer

I was born Calvin Chakabveyo on the 5th of November 1992. I

went to Matinunura High School, here in Gweru. I am interested

in reading and writing. As a Political Scientist in the making, I

believe in fashioning society for the common good. Education to

me plays a quintessential role in my quest for a better society.

According to Confucius, ―ignorance is the night of the mind‖. I

am inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. I am a Chris-

tian.

Secretary General

I go by the name Persistance Matanhire. I was born on the 8th of

August 1991. I took my high school classes at Murewa High. My

passion for politics was born during secondary school. I was

amused by early philosophers such as John Locke and Karl

Marx, whose timeless ethos changed the institutions of their day.

I‘m a writer, and I am working towards the publication of my

first book, ―The Old Chameleon and the Coming of the Storm.‖

I am a devout Christian.

Public Relations Officer

My name is Courage Mpofu. I was born on the 4th of Septem-ber 1992. I‘m a second year student of Politics and Public Man-agement. I believe in John Locke‘s ideas of liberalism. This is what Africa needs today, in order to free it from the manacles and shackles of dictatorship. I contend that democracy works, but there is need for the education of our leaders in the subject of liberalism. I say, ―Democracy today, democracy tomorrow, democracy forever!!‖

PSSA Executive Committee (2013-2014)

Dimokratia Journal—The PSSA Journal of Political Science Issue 1, February 2014

11

My name is Thandiwe Makunike. I‘m a first year student from the department of Politics and Public Management. I enjoy read-ing, interacting with different individuals, and gathering political views in my archive. I‘m inspired by Robert Mugabe and Joyce Banda. Both have made contributions to my dream of challeng-ing patriarchy. In the world today, women have little or no pow-er, and they are erroneously regarded as weak in politics. I intend to be a game changer. What man can do, women can do also. I‘m a great orator, and I‘m a Christian.

Secretary

Research Officer

My name is Kudzai Don Zvidzai. I‘m the PSSA Research Of-

ficer. Just like any other sensible politician, it is my dream to see

an ―impossible‖ dream come true, which is world peace. The

person who inspires me most is Malcolm X. It pains me to

know how the great man died. The man fought so hard for the

equal rights of black people. I‘m also inspired by Nelson Cham-

isa. He showed the world that political maturity isn‘t about

one‘s age, but what one believes in and how one thinks.

Committee Member

My name is Anesu Marcia Nyazire. I was born on the 9th of Jan-

uary 1992. I‘m a second year student of Politics and Public Man-

agement, and former student of St Augustine's High School. I‘m

a Christian at heart and democrat devotee, inspired by both

‗controversial‘ and great politicians like Nelson Mandela, Barack

Obama, Robert Mugabe, Ali Abdulla Saleh, Joyce Mujuru and

Helen Zille. I am confident that I am going to change the world.

Women can do it! Yes we can!!

Committee Member

My name is Blair X Mahlangu. I‘m a first year student of Poli-tics and Public Management. I am 20 years old. I enjoy watch-ing movies, especially those on international relations. Toping the list of my icons is the greatest of all—Nelson Mandela! I just love the man‘s perception of international relations, let alone domestic politics. I‘m an able orator and master of the rhetoric. It is these qualities that make me believe I am able to lead a country; it has always been my dream.


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Nelson Mandela's Rivonia Trial Speech: EDITED I am the First Accused. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Arts and practised as an attorney in Johannesburg for a number of years in partnership with Oliver Tambo. I am a convicted prisoner serving five years for leaving the country without a permit and for inciting people to go on strike at the end of May 1961

At the outset, I want to say that the suggestion made by the State in its opening that the struggle in South Africa is under the influence of foreigners or communists is wholly incorrect. I have done what-ever I did, both as an individual and as a leader of my people, because of my experience in South Afri-ca and my own proudly felt African background, and not because of what any outsider might have said. In my youth in the Transkei I listened to the elders of my tribe telling stories of the old days. Amongst the tales they related to me were those of wars fought by our ancestors in defense of the fatherland. The names of Dingane and Bambata, Hintsa and Makana, Squngthi and Dalasile, Moshoeshoe and Sekhukhune, were praised as the glory of the entire African nation. I hoped then that life might offer me the opportunity to serve my people and make my own humble contribution to their freedom struggle. This is what has motivated me in all that I have done in relation to the charges made against me in this case. Having said this, I must deal immediately and at some length with the question of violence. Some of the things so far told to the Court are true and some are untrue. I do not, however, deny that I planned sabotage. I did not plan it in a spirit of recklessness, nor because I have any love of violence. I planned it as a result of a calm and sober assessment of the political situation that had arisen after many years of tyranny, exploitation, and oppression of my people by the Whites. I admit immediately that I was one of the persons who helped to form Umkhonto we Sizwe, and that I played a prominent role in its affairs until I was arrested in August 1962.

Firstly, we believed that as a result of Government policy, violence by the African people had become inevitable, and that unless responsible leadership was given to canalize and control the feelings of our people, there would be outbreaks of terrorism which would produce an intensity of bitterness and hostility between the various races of this country which is not produced even by war. Secondly, we felt that without violence there would be no way open to the African people to succeed in their strug-gle against the principle of white supremacy. All lawful modes of expressing opposition to this princi-ple had been closed by legislation, and we were placed in a position in which we had either to accept a permanent state of inferiority, or to defy the Government. We chose to defy the law. We first broke the law in a way which avoided any recourse to violence; when this form was legislated against, and then the Government resorted to a show of force to crush opposition to its policies, only then did we decide to answer violence with violence. "The time comes in the life of any nation when there remain only two choices - submit or fight. That time has now come to South Africa. We shall not submit and we have no choice but to hit back by all means in our power in defense of our people, our future, and our freedom". This was our feeling in June of 1961 when we decided to press for a change in the policy of the Na-tional Liberation Movement. I can only say that I felt morally obliged to do what I did.


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R.I.P. Nelson Mandela

The ideological creed of the ANC is, and always has been, the creed of African Nationalism. It is not the concept of African Nationalism expressed in the cry, 'Drive the White man into the sea'. The African Nationalism for which the ANC stands is the concept of freedom and fulfillment for the

African people in their own land. The most important political document ever adopted by the ANC is

the 'Freedom Charter'. It is by no means a blueprint for a socialist state. It calls for redistribution, but not nationalization, of land; it provides for nationalization of mines, banks, and monopoly industry, because big monopolies are owned by one race only, and without such nationalization racial domina-tion would be perpetuated despite the spread of political power. It would be a hollow gesture to repeal the Gold Law prohibitions against Africans when all gold mines are owned by European companies.

The ANC has never at any period of its history advocated a revolutionary change in the economic structure of the country, nor has it, to the best of my recollection, ever condemned capitalist society. Africans want to be paid a living wage. Africans want to perform work which they are capable of do-

ing, and not work which the Government declares them to be capable of. Africans want to be allowed

to live where they obtain work, and not be endorsed out of an area because they were not born there.

Africans want to be allowed to own land in places where they work, and not to be obliged to live in

rented houses which they can never call their own. Africans want to be part of the general population,

and not confined to living in their own ghettoes. African men want to have their wives and children to

live with them where they work, and not be forced into an unnatural existence in men's hostels. Afri-

can women want to be with their men folk and not be left permanently widowed in the Reserves. Af-

ricans want to be allowed out after eleven o'clock at night and not to be confined to their rooms like

little children. Africans want to be allowed to

travel in their own country and to seek work

where they want to and not where the Labour

Bureau tells them to. Africans want a just share

in the whole of South Africa; they want security

and a stake in society.

This then is what the ANC is fighting. Their

struggle is a truly national one. It is a struggle of

the African people, inspired by their own suf-

fering and their own experience. It is a struggle

for the right to live.

During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to

this struggle of the African people. I have

fought against white domination, and I have

fought against black domination. I have cher-

ished the ideal of a democratic and free society

in which all persons live together in harmony

and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal

which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if

needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared

to die.


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The Old Chameleon and the Coming of the Storm

©Persistance Matanhire, PSSA Secretary General)

Every move is a calculated step, Willing to conserve the gains of the previous step,

It is predisposed with an urge to stop, Driven by fate and the thoughts of starving up,

It is forced not to stop

Reactionary to the change in environment, It hopelessly yearns for the previous environment,

Screwed on the tallest tree on the land, It seeks power to the world‘s end,

As ferocious as a hound, It wields power with absolute energy,

Eyes spinning around It seeks control of the entire veldt,

As vigilant as a crocodile, wide eyed, It shrieks ghastly at intruders,

Seeking to dominate all the hopeless small creatures, A peculiar arrogance of its own,

It is the old frail chameleon

Clinging firmly on the branches like a wild cat, Not even the strongest wind can topple it,

Changing colors in every minute, Slackened and hesitated walking rate, Weary skinny legs, it is slow to act,

Dictating the pace and tone, It is the old frail chameleon

Like the legendary nine lives of a cat, it boasts its immortality, With the swift change in the veldt, Dispelling the long tiring winter,

Summer is imminent, Sweeping with relentless militancy over the plain,

In the middle of the garbage is the chameleon, The coming of the long desired rain,

Heralds the sprouting of new life across the plain, The history of the charlatan - long it shall be forgotten,

As tolerant and harmless as a fawn, The new life shall live in harmony,

Turning every stone, As new as the autumn moon,

New vibrant structures shall prevail all over the plain, Forever long gone,

Shall be the old frail chameleon


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Watershed ©Calvin Chakabveyo (PSSA Treasurer)

For ages the land has been divided, It chronicles the geological processes which formed the watershed,

Underpinned by ancient atrocities, Which were witnessed in the cities

The bone of contention, the river is the source They struggle to control the resource,

With the shift in power rises vengeance, A time bomb to be diffused with urgency,

The rivalry is easily seen by a stranger, Who amicably manipulates their anger

Why can‘t you share the national cake? Rather than hide behind the reconciliation of fake,

In development and unity be investors, Lest you invoke the wrath of your ancestors

Let peace be the scorn chorus, Let us leave war for amateurs,

Ushering in a new dawn, The stranger in jealousy will frown,

Tribalism is the cause of Zimbabwe‘s watershed, Complete reconciliation will put it to an end

Issue 1, February 2014 Dimokratia Journal—The PSSA Journal of Political Science

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Illet Chirimangombe

Midlands State University, SRC Vice President (2012-2013)

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen Politics and Public Management is not a degree for those simply trying out their luck, the timid, or those at a dead end. When we started our degree in 2012, we quickly sorted the class into two categories, the politi-cians and the public managers. The former were the out-spoken ones, those who had something to say about every philosopher, from Plato to Fanon. The public managers were quiet, but certainly not dumb. However, in politics, as in life, there is no black and white, but that interesting grey. These greys are the politicians-cum-public managers. They lead explicitly and implicitly. These three are all spe-cial because they had the presence of mind to choose Po-litical Science. In the year I began, I announced I was run-ning for SRC Vice President and some audaciously en-quired what the SRC was all about. Some looked at me in askance as if my brain had vacated my skull. Some told me to change my accent because apparently no one could hear me. I forged on ahead with the help of a brave few. Over the coming days, our class and department was over-whelmed by a unitary spirit to elect a President and Vice President from our department – Richard Mahomva and Illet Chirimangombe respectively. The Minister of Gender and Social Affairs, Pearl Gambiza , and the Minister of Academic Affairs, Catherine Mudyanadzo, were also PPMers. We could not be stopped and this was because for a few brief moments we had forgotten our differences and we all became united under one banner, HPPM. For me, the SRC was a God sent learning curve. I had to juggle both student leadership and being an ordinary student. Fortunately, the lecturers were a blessing and they understood the tight schedule that all the SRC candidates were under. I believe that God puts all those who believe in His Son in the right place, at the right time, and if we do not ―carpe diem‖ (seize the day) we will forever be regretful. During Zimbabwe‘s 2013 general elections, I was asked to recruit twenty-nine students who would help at polling stations in Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe constituency. Their main job was to monitor the mathematical procedures of counting votes on behalf of Hon. E.D. Mnangagwa. As a result of my post as Vice President of the SRC, I was made the team leader. During my tenure as Vice President of the SRC, I was also heavily involved with the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU), though not as an official. Three opportunities presented themselves to me in the latter part of 2013. The first was a trip to Accra, Ghana as part of a seven student delegation for a Student and Youth Summit hosted by the All Africa Students‘ Union. This was a refreshing excursion as I met like-minded students and my thoughts to farther my political career were solidified. Less than two months later, I fulfilled the second opportunity and goal as I won the Mkoba seat after a grueling campaign which cost an arm and a leg. I was now an elected representative of the Midlands ZANU-PF Youth League Provincial Executive Committee and this was certainly against all odds. I had been told that no one would vote for me because I was relatively unknown and a student to the boot. Despite all of that, I had the highest number of votes. This is a testimony. When God opens a door, no man can

for a few brief moments

we had forgotten our

differences and we all

became united under

one banner, HPPM

Issue 1, February 2014 Issue 1, February 2014

17

shut it.

The final opportunity was the provincial congress of ZICOSU which was held in November 2013. I

ran for Provincial Chair and won. I am grateful to the one and only living God and to the Department

of Politics and Public Management. Joining the department enlightened my mind and made me under-

stand and appreciate my country better. I am also happy that the baton stick still settles in our depart-

ment, as I was succeeded as Vice President by Adele Mcilo, an HPPM student.

Dear PPMers, lets practice what we are learning. The revolution does not belong to the one who

wields the AK47, but to the one who wields the pen. In Edward Bulwer-Lytton‘s words, ―the pen is

mightier than the sword.‖


18

On Student Government

The year 2012 saw the rise of HPPM students into top positions of the MSU student government,

which is commonly known as the Student Representative Council (SRC). This council represents stu-

dents in all matters of concern, and forwards their needs and demands to the college authorities. The

2012 officials from the department of Politics and Public Management included Richard Mahomva

(President), Illet Chirimangombe (Vice President), Catherine Mudyanadzo (Minister of Academic Af-

fairs) and Pearl Gambiza (Minister of Gender and Social Affairs). This was a period of greatness for

the department; but how did these guys do it? Well, the answer is simple; these guys had a broad ap-

peal in the department, and students from the department rallied behind them. There were no multi-

ple HPPM candidates running for the same positions, as we witnessed in last year's elections. Some of

the guys who participated in last year‘s elections didn‘t even appeal to anyone in the department. Some

even decided to go it alone, thinking that the society didn‘t have anything to offer. They were strategi-

cally inept, and some of them were so overconfident and arrogant; but God resists the proud, and

gives grace to the humble.

The year 2013, unlike the year 2012, was characterized with disunity, backbiting, fighting, Hobbesian

egoism, hatred, sham reconciliations, and megalomania. Some candidates created departmental camps,

pretending to be in one spirit with the others, only to defect to the enemy's camp a few days before

the elections. This however, did not give them the advantage. It actually cost them the few votes

which would have been cast in their favor.

In last semester‘s elections, only two HPPM students made it into the 2013-2014 Student Representa-

tive Council. These were Adele Mcilo (Vice President) and Hopewell Mupanganyama (Minister of In-

ternal and External Affairs). The Society, by this time, was not yet firmly established; but things have

changed this time around. The Political Science Students Association (PSSA), with the advent of a

new skilled and up-to-the-task Executive Committee (EC), has become stronger than never before.

Also, due to the return of our Level 4 counterparts, our population has even increased. This will give

us a numerical advantage in next semester‘s SRC elections. PSSA has become stronger than any

"Union" that one might seek refuge in. We will work together to ensure landslide victories for PSSA

members in the forthcoming SRC elections. United we stand, and divided we fall.

Student governance is for students of Political Science, not for those who study Agriculture, Musicol-

ogy, or Zoology. We should take the SRC as part of our learning process. PSSA will arise; but let there

be unity among us.


19

Hopewell Mupanganyama - Internal & External Affairs

Part of the 2013-14 Student Representative Council

Adele Mcilo- SRC Vice President

Issue 1, February 2014 Dimokratia Journal—The PSSA Journal of Political Science

20

Midlands State University Political Science Students Association—PSSA

P. Bag 9055

Gweru,

Zimbabwe http://msupossa.wordpress.com

[email protected]

For any questions or suggestions regarding DIMOKRATIA JOURNAL-The PSSA Journal of Political Science, please contact the Editorial Board at [email protected]

...for the Master’s use

Silver Vessel Press

For any publication services, please contact Lisbon Tawanda Chigwenjere at

[email protected] or 263778700370

...for the Master’s use

21

Sliver Vessel Press

PSSA is an organization established to serve the needs of Political Science students at Midlands State University. It is a non-partisan organization and will not promote the political interests of any member.

Vision

To equip students with the political and managerial knowledge applicable to the contemporary

world through interaction with relevant personnel in the field of politics and public management

To enhance academic knowledge and understanding of the discipline of Political Science

Mission

Creating a platform for interaction between political actors and institutions with students

through public lectures, seminars and many other interactive stages.

build a deeper understanding of political and managerial aspects at national and international

level.

developing a sound relationship between students and future employers so as to enable easy

access to job opportunities.

To promote constructive exchange programs and interactions with other tertiary institutions.

Encourage debate and research in the field of Political Science.

Assist students with advise on career opportunities and internships.

organize social events that encourage interaction among Political Science students.

Dimokratia Journal - The PSSA Journal of Political Science ©2014

htttp://msupossa.wordpress.com

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