Of the more than 350 participants, more than 80% of them were women.
The gist of the meeting was to facilitate conversation and interface between the villagers in the area and their leaders in so far as peace building towards the impeding referendum and elections is concerned.
Leaders present at the meeting included Stanford Nkala (Local Councilor), Sibonile Ndlovu (Christian Alliance), Nkululeko Khoza (Bulawayo Agenda Board Member), Thembi Dube (Jomic) and the local kraal head.
What they said…
“Usually, personal vendettas are settled through political violence during elections; otherwise Matshetsheni villagers are a peace loving people” – local participant.
“It is good that you have come to Matshetsheni, please continue updating my people on current affairs by supplying them with weekly publications frequently” – Rastaleave Mazibuko (Via facebook)
“Villagers from across political divides should tolerate each other in the same manner in which people from different church denominations do” – Sibonile Ndlovu (Christian Alliance)
“Despite the challenges we face, we continue to try and ensure that Jomic covers all the areas and we expect the people to report all forms of political violence to our offices in Gwanda town”- Thembi Dube (Jomic)
“Leaders in Jomic are jointly preaching peace now, but during election time they shall be perpetrating violence individually representing their political parties”- local participant.
Local leadership also seized the opportunity after the meeting to address the villagers regarding community developmental issues.
Fact File…
- Ward 1 is a communal ward, which has a male councilor.
- It has an estimated population of 11 870
- The chief in the ward is known as Masuku and the headman is Sidli.
Education:
- There are 7 crèches, 5 primary schools and 1 secondary school in the ward. The primary schools are known as Magedleni, Matshetsheni, Matshiya, Matsholomotshe and Nkashe.
- The schools were built before independence and are owned by council. The secondary school is known as Nkashe and it was built in 1984.
Business Centres:
There are 4 business centres in this ward, known as Matshiya, Tiwi, Magedleni and Matshetsheni.
Veterinary Facilities:
There are 3 dip tanks in this ward known as Vonko, Silikwane and Hulube. The animal health centre for the ward is known as Nkwidzi.