Being independent in Zimbabwe
To me, it was obvious. Being an independent meant that I was independent. Not connected to anything, any one, any organization. Not a capital I Independent. Which might imply I was part of any Independent party. Any more than being a democrat makes me part of the Democratic Party (democrat meaning the rule of the people) or being a republican (wanting to live in a country not ruled by a king) makes me a part of the Republican Party.
So why, when I say I am an independent, do people ask me about Simba Makoni? I have not formed a party. He has not formed a party. He has not asked to join my ‘grouping’, nor has he asked me to join his. Now, I appreciate that he definitely has a grouping (of like oriented individuals, I guess we would describe them), but they are individuals; not bound by any document (like a constitution) or specific creed, manifesto, declaration, etc. And they have not claimed, nor have even attempted to claim, any ‘independent’ title.
Therefore I feel quite slighted when asked about him. When the world talks to him, do they ask him about me? Or Ward 7? After all, that is the whole focus, and reason, for being an independent. So that I can work freely (if I get elected!) for Ward 7, without any constraints for party, or grouping, whatsoever.
Second question is, why does the party (any party) want to ‘have’ councilors running Harare? Surely a Party will focus on national issues. (The economy I hope). Why should they ‘control’ any city? And what can they offer Harare, that is different from Bindura? Or Chinhoyi? Or Hwange? Surely what is needed for Harare is different from what is needed from Zvishavane? Or Mutare? So every Councilor’s priority should be to his (or her in many cases I hope) Ward within the city/district that it is.
The answer came to me in nomination court. I met several ex-Councilors, who are now running for Parliament or Senate. They were moving up. “Why must we stay in Council all our lives,” was said to me often. My answer is simple. “Because this is the community we are trying to serve.” And we should be trying to serve our community, not self interest. It should not be a stepping stone to National needs.
This then is the answer to the Party question. They want control. Power. It is, for a Party, a stepping stone to National power.
So how do you feel, when you vote for your Councilor, being used as a stepping stone. Vote for an individual, not a Party. Certainly not at this level.