A Call for Justice and Self-Determination
The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has raised serious concerns about the government’s handling of national disasters, accusing it of systemic and tribal-based marginalisation. The party leader, Mqondisi Moyo, highlighted what he perceives as a pattern of selective compassion, particularly in how different regions are treated during crises.
Esigodini Road Accident: A Case of Neglect
Moyo pointed to the Esigodini road accident on November 14, 2023, which claimed 22 lives, as a stark example of this neglect. He described the incident as a “chilling testament to the moral decay, tribal prejudice, and institutional rot deeply embedded in Zimbabwe’s governance system.” According to Moyo, the tragedy was not just a traffic accident but a moment that exposed the government’s lack of empathy and care.
He criticized the absence of swift government intervention, coordinated rescue efforts, and ministerial statements of sympathy following the crash. Instead, the victims were loaded onto an open lorry like discarded cargo, transported without dignity or compassion.
Contrast with the Polokwane Tragedy
In contrast, Moyo cited the government’s response to the recent Polokwane tragedy on October 12, 2025, where a coach crash claimed 36 Zimbabwean nationals. He praised the government’s swift reaction, noting that funds were quickly released, senior officials pledged assistance, and government-funded transport was arranged for bereaved families.
The state also partnered with a funeral service, commissioning a fleet of branded hearses to repatriate the remains in an organised convoy. Moyo argued that this response was in sharp contrast to the treatment of the Esigodini victims, who were left without any official recognition or support.
A Pattern of Selective Concern
Moyo argued that this “pattern of selective concern” reveals the state’s inability to govern impartially. He claimed that Zimbabwe has become a “hierarchy of human worth,” where access to empathy, justice, and national recognition is determined by tribe and region.
This disparity, according to Moyo, is the reason why the MRP is pursuing self-determination. He emphasized that self-determination is not rebellion but a universal human right. The MRP’s demand, he stated, is not for division but for justice and restoration—the freedom to govern themselves and protect their people.
The Fight for Dignity and Recognition
The MRP’s stance reflects a broader struggle for dignity and recognition for the people of Matabeleland. Moyo’s accusations of institutional rot and tribal bias highlight the deep-seated issues within Zimbabwe’s governance system. He believes that until these issues are addressed, the people of Matabeleland will continue to face marginalisation and neglect.
The party’s call for self-determination is a response to this perceived injustice. Moyo stressed that the MRP is not seeking to divide the country but to ensure that all citizens are treated with equal respect and compassion, regardless of their background.
Conclusion
The events surrounding the Esigodini and Polokwane tragedies have brought to light significant disparities in how the government responds to national disasters. Moyo’s critique underscores the need for a more equitable and compassionate approach to governance. As the MRP continues its advocacy for self-determination, it remains to be seen whether these calls for justice will lead to meaningful change in Zimbabwe.