(NEWZIMBABWE) Fed-up minister quits politics

Fed-up minister quits politics
28/11/2011 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter

CONSTITUTIONAL Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga says he will quit at the next elections, disappointed with the level of violence in local politics and leaders’ pre-occupation with power and personal enrichment instead of serving the people.

Matinenga, who won Buhera West for the MDC-T in 2008, said he had been “naïve” to think politics was about service when he was approached by party leader Morgan Tsvangirai to contest the constituency.

“I think I was a bit naïve. To me politics was about service to the people and I thought everybody wanted to move from the past into the future and build a better Zimbabwe,” he said in an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent.

“I didn’t realise how some look at politics in terms of power and control.”

Matinenga said he was particularly shocked to discover the level of violent factionalism in the party.

The MDC-T was rocked by violent clashes between rival factions during provincial elections leading up to its national congress in Bulawayo this year.

“I was shocked at what I witnessed of that process. I didn’t believe that as the MDC we could sink that low … I was saddened and still saddened by that experience.”

He also felt Tsvangirai could have moved more decisively to deal with the violence.

“I briefed (Tsvangirai about the violence) and he expressed outrage. I met him subsequently and he always said he would set up a body to look into this,” he said.

“I am hoping that this body would carry a full investigation into the matter. If I was in a position of authority, I would have addressed this matter immediately, but people work differently. I hope the way he is tackling the issue would bear positive results.”

Matinenga also said he was disappointed with the failure of the coalition government to substantively address the myriad of challenges facing the country.

“Ministers are addressing issues on partisan lines. When we debate issues they simply go back to their political trenches. This is a huge disappointment,” he said.

“I don’t think Zanu PF wants to make a clean break with the past. Zanu PF positions on political issues are rigid.”

Matinenga insisted he had not been pushed aside to make way for University of Zimbabwe lecturer, Dr John Makumbe who has since been selected to represent the MDC-T in Buhera West.

“Nobody pushed me out! I had set myself a target to do my term only,” he said.

“I participated in the process to find my successor (and) I think John Makumbe is electable.”

Matinenga said he would be returning to legal practice after his unhappy sojourn into politics.

“I will have to re-apply to be admitted to the Advocate Chambers. My office and library are still in place and I hope I will pick up from where I left off.”