Christopher Makaza
Mashonaland West War Collaborators have demanded an immediate apology from Matabeleland South Province MDC (proportional representation) Lindiwe Maphosa, following her utterances during a parliamentary business in Mutare that Chimbwidos and war veterans were sex workers during the liberation struggle.
Mashonaland West War Collaborators Chairperson, Stancelus Madembo during a War collaborators meeting held in Chinhoyi at the weekend described Maphosa`s sentiments as very unfortunate and disturbing, especially coming from a parliamentarian who is supposed to lead by example in appreciating the role played by the war collaborators during the liberation struggle.
“Maphosa`s utterances are not only shocking but very disturbing. What she said is an insult to all freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to liberate our country. War collaborators therefore demand an immediate apology from her. She must withdraw her statement.
“War collaborators like any other freedom fighters played a pivotal role during the liberation struggle and as such deserve maximum respect. Their contribution saw the birth of our new Zimbabwe which we all enjoy. Some of them were killed, raped and some were physically and emotionally abused, we must appreciate their sacrifice. Maphosa should support her fellow women rather than labelling them prostitutes,” he said.
National Assembly Speaker, Advocate Jacob Mudenda demanded an investigation into the matter following a point of privilege raised by Zanu PF MP for Mberengwa East, Marko Ridza last week on Tuesday. Ridza complained that Maphosa had denigrated female war collaborators.
“I am demanding a full report from the chairperson of her committee. Our Standing Orders are very clear, our behaviour here in Parliament and outside Parliament, particularly in committees, must respect the sense of decorum including the way you dress,” he said.
The Chinhoyi meeting endorsed Pupurai Togarepi as their chairperson ahead of their National Congress pencilled on the 24th of August.
