MDC-T MP says Zimbabweans must be taught history not propaganda

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  Order Hon. Members.  Order Hon. Members. Order Hon. Members on my right and my left side!  Can you please allow him to debate? If you do not agree with his facts, you will have an opportunity to debate as well.

HON. CHIMANIKIRE:  The formation of the Patriotic Front in 1979 was because of pressure that was coming from the Organisation of African Unity.  It is not like we started being united as we are today talking of ZANU PF.  The PF was the Patriotic Front that was formed and spearheaded by the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.  That is history. Under the organisation of African Unity, what happened was that ZIPRA and ZANLA were told that, unless if you go with a united front under a political wing, which is called the Patriotic Front, we will not be able to support you in your negotiations with the British for independence.

When we talk about history, we should also remember that we have transitional periods that we had prior to independence where some were Pfumo revanhu and Bishop Abel Muzorewa also drove to the State House in a scotch cart and after that there was Rhodesia.  To also remind others who did not know, by the way, ZANU had an internal wing which was called People’s Movement led by Dr. Tsvarayi who was based in Mbare of which I was a member at some stage.  When we talk of history, it is not history after you came from assembly points and then you got elected into… –[HON. MEMBERS:  Hear, hear.]-  That is distorted history.

When we are talking about history – I am just wondering what the mover of the motion meant when he said the history of this country should be taught in schools.  It is already being taught.  I am just wondering how old his children could be.  I am fortunate enough that all my daughters are graduates. So I do not know what you can teach them because they are mostly scientists and accountants.  To go back and start reading history is not possible.

When I was in school, they would divide subjects in class to Arts and Sciences. I am just wondering whether all should be studying History for the sake of history when we in this House, passed a Bill that says we should encourage children to study sciences.  Now, we are going back to reading history; distorted history for that matter –[Laughter.]-  If we are going to accept our history as being correct, some of the advocates of studying history actually do not know where they are coming from because this is not a Police Charter.  Therefore, to start telling other Members of Parliament that you …–[HON. MEMBERS:  Hear, hear.]- to start suggesting that to qualify to be a Member of Parliament, you should also be a historian is not feasible.

We have the Chigwederes of this world.  Chigwedere can tell you the history of the Nehoreka Clan in no uncertain terms and we appreciate that.  It is only last week during debate that I noticed that Hon. Mandipaka was not aware that this country was once colonised by Bushmen – the Khoisan.  I remember telling him during debate that he should know his history.  Although he had moved a motion, he does not know that when you see Bushmen paintings, it does emphasise that prior to us who are here today coming here, there were the Khoisan.  That is why they would sit in the caves and draw big animals that are bigger than those that are left after poaching –[HON. MEMBERS:  Hear, hear.]-

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