Opposition legislator David Tekeshe has asked whether people would still be declared heroes if the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front is defeated.
He asked this because he was totally ignored at the recent burial of a provincial hero in his own constituency. His presence, he said, was not even acknowledged while that of the person he beat in the elections and a legislator from another constituency were recognised.
“A business colleague by the name Michael Nyamusamba was declared a provincial hero, I attended the funeral. I was surprised to see at the hero’s funeral that there were slogans and regalia. I thought heroes are above parties,” Tekeshe told Parliament.
“What really surprised me is that the funeral takes place in my Constituency in Rusape and I was never acknowledged. Some MPs from other constituencies were acknowledged, given chairs to sit and they were sitting in the shed. I stood in the sun yet I am the MP of the place. My question is, should a hero’s funeral be taken on party grounds?”
He went on: “The one I defeated was acknowledged. The next door Member of Parliament was acknowledged; they gave them chairs. So, if ZANU PF loses elections, does it mean there would be no heroes and war veterans?”
Full contribution:
HON. TEKESHE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My point of national interest emanates from a provincial hero’s funeral which was held in my Constituency on Saturday. A business colleague by the name Michael Nyamusamba was declared a provincial hero, I attended the funeral. I was surprised to see at the hero’s funeral that there were slogans and regalia. I thought heroes are above parties. What really surprised me is that the funeral takes place in my Constituency in Rusape and I was never acknowledged. Some MPs from other constituencies were acknowledged, given chairs to sit and they were sitting in the shed. I stood in the sun yet I am the MP of the place. My question is, should a hero’s funeral be taken on party grounds? – [Laughter.] – These people think using their legs, they do not really think. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, withdraw that statement.
HON. TEKESHE: With all due respect Mr. Speaker, I can withdraw the statement but the way they are behaving; they really behave like they are using their legs.
THE HON. SPEAKER: You cannot withdraw the statement conditionally.
HON. TEKESHE: I withdraw Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Wind up, your minute is getting over.
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