The Sunday News
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
SELF-confessed Grade Seven drop-out, Mr Masango “Blackman” Matambanadzo believes he has unfinished business with Kwekwe people and deserves another chance to be elected to represent the area in the National Assembly so he can complete the projects.
Mr Matambanadzo lost the seat early this year after he was fired from the ruling Zanu-PF for defecting to join the National Patriotic Front (NPF). Blackman, as he is affectionately known, says vendors’ plight is on top of his to-do list of projects he needs to complete hence he deserves another chance.
“As you know I was always involved in bitter wrangles with council, as I represented the vendors. I want them empowered and plans are underway for the construction of a multi-million dollar vending stall. Investors are waiting. Vendors deserve better treatment, they do not steal from anyone,” he said.
He said he has already secured investors who are committed to seeing companies reopening.
“I have unfinished projects that I had already kick-started and were underway when I lost the seat. I was in the process of re-opening several companies in the city. Investors are on standby and once I am in, you will see companies like Lancashire Steel and Zimasco producing at full capacity,” he said.
He said people already know what he is capable of doing and is optimistic no one will stand in his path to recapture the seat.
He said he believes in teaching people how to fish rather than giving them fish.
“I started projects for vendors. I want to empower them, build a huge vending stall in the city centre for them instead of dishing them with cash like what I see some desperate colleagues of mine doing. I want them to operate freely without any hustles,” he said.
Blackman, who is now regarded as a Midlands NPF godfather, says the province should benefit from its own natural resources.
He also slammed machete attacks which are rampant in the city which he said he intends to put to an end once elected back into office.
Blackman will battle it out with seven other contestants including Kandros Mugabe (Zanu-PF), Blessing Chebundo (MDC- Alliance), Josiniah Maupa (Independent) among others.
