Zanu PF’s first woman chairperson, Oppah
Muchinguri-Kashiri, (OM) broke new ground when she was appointed
Zimbabwe’s first female Defence minister.
She speaks to NewsDay (ND) reporter Blessed Mhlanga on the
journey she has walked, challenges she has faced and her plans for the
ministry.
Below are the excerpts.
ND: How do you feel stepping into that important role and
breaking new ground in both government and party?
OM: This is something that we appreciate as the women of
Zimbabwe, but moreso as Zanu PF.
This was overdue considering that we shared trenches with
our male counterparts during the liberation struggle.
So we owe it all to the new and second President of the
Republic who is gender sensitive and appreciates that the war which liberated
this country was fought by both men and women. So for this, we appreciate.
ND: There have been calls for security sector reforms amid
allegations that the military is an extension of Zanu PF, how are you going to
tackle this as Defence minister?
OM: You need to appreciate that this is delegated power.
The Commander-in-Chief is the President. I am looking forward to conferring with the President if it
means that the reforms that you are talking about will be necessary, because
this has been an issue raised over and over again.
But I am really looking forward to working with my
colleagues who are still within the defence sector.
I am willing to learn as much as possible. You also need to
know that our force is recognised the world over.
You know they have served at UN (United Nations) and AU
(African Union) levels.
With the challenges that you are raising, I am sure to
these agencies they don’t see any problems, but they see excellence on the work
performed by our forces.
ND: As a war veteran, what things are on your to-do list as
you take over this important ministry?
OM: I am glad because the war veterans are part and parcel
of the portfolio.
The new Constitution is very clear. It articulates the
significant role that was played by war veterans and war collaborators and
recognises that we need to do as much as possible to address their concerns.
When you go to the United States or South Africa, or in the
region, war veterans have a special place and these are issues that I am going
to be really looking into.
The President has a passion and a soft spot for the welfare
of war veterans.
So I hope this is an opportunity for me and (Victor)
Matemadanda my deputy to address these issues once and for all.
So we see this as an opportunity to finally take on board
their aspirations.
ND: The national cake is small and government is struggling
to even pay fees for children of war veterans, do you think government can
afford taking care of war veterans?
OM: We are not thinking small.
I am sure you know the developments. You know even the
selection of Cabinet really demonstrates serious business.
So we are looking forward to growing the cake. That cake
will have to be shared, especially with those that paid the supreme sacrifice
for us to get to where we are today.
ND: Government is accused of dumping and refusing to
compensate war collaborators, what plans do you have for them?
OM: Yes, they are part and parcel of the ministry and like
you are saying that resources permitting we will definitely address the issue.
I don’t have a timeframe for it because resources will
determine how fast we can address these issues.
ND: You have come through the structures of Zanu PF and
today you are the most powerful woman in the country. Tell us more about this
journey?
OM: It has been very tough because we are fighting for
limited space.
As you will see, Cabinet is very small.
Women are happy that although not many are in Cabinet, but
you have seen ministers of State, who will be representing us in the provinces.
Most of them are women, so we really celebrate that and
deputy ministers as well.
So for us it is quite an honour, but we are looking forward
also, even in Parliament to have women at the helm chairing various committees.
So for us, we are very happy even though it’s slow.
We are eventually getting there.
The nation has matured and we hope that the contribution of
women is being felt.
ND: Have you faced any challenges either in government or
party from people who resist your leadership on the basis of your gender?
OM: Well here and there, there are challenges of course,
but it’s individuals.
The organisation is very clear in terms of the
Constitution, but individuals, yes they have a problem.
But we eventually find each other and authority is
respected.
ND: Have you ever felt like you are just a figurehead being
placed there just to fill the women’s quota and that you have no genuine power?
OM: My dear, this path that I have walked being a Minister
of Women Affairs, I had real power and managed to push through a number
sweeping changes and these cannot be viewed as cosmetic.
Even in Parliament, you can see women’s representation in decision
making, it speaks volumes.
So to say I am a figure head would not be true. We need to
give credit where it is due.
The men in Zanu PF have been very understanding. Even men
of Zimbabwe, you have been very understanding, so give yourself credit, but of
course attitudes are very hard to deal with and address.Newsday
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