On Thursday, September 12th, Nyasha Dube, a member of the Facebook group Nortorians, made waves with a post titled “Bring Back Mliswa,” which quickly garnered attention and support. In the post, Dube presented what he referred to as V11 forms, a term widely used in Zimbabwe to signify solid evidence, and highlighted former MP Temba Mliswa’s focus on humanitarian efforts for the underprivileged.

For those unfamiliar, Temba Mliswa is a charismatic and outspoken politician who served as the independent Member of Parliament for Norton, Zimbabwe, from 2016 until his loss in the 2023 general election. Mliswa is celebrated for his tireless advocacy and commitment to community development, marking his time in office with significant advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

Infrastructure Development: Mliswa prioritized the development of local infrastructure. He facilitated the construction and rehabilitation of roads, ensuring better connectivity within Norton. This not only improved transportation but also boosted local businesses by making it easier to move goods and services. Education Initiatives: Understanding the importance of education, Mliswa supported the construction and refurbishment of schools. He also provided educational materials and resources, helping to enhance the learning environment for students in Norton.

Healthcare Improvements: Mliswa worked towards improving healthcare facilities in Norton. He was instrumental in the establishment of new clinics and the upgrading of existing ones, ensuring that residents had better access to medical services. Youth Empowerment: A strong advocate for youth development, Mliswa initiated various programs aimed at empowering young people. These included vocational training centers and sports facilities, which provided the youth with skills and opportunities to thrive.

Community Engagement: Mliswa maintained a close relationship with his constituents, regularly holding meetings to listen to their concerns and address their needs. This approach fostered a sense of community and ensured that the voices of Norton residents were heard in parliament.

His Contributions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mliswa played a crucial role in supporting his community. Healthcare Support: Mliswa facilitated the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizers to healthcare facilities and the general public. This was vital in helping to curb the spread of the virus.

Food Aid: Recognizing the economic hardships caused by the pandemic, Mliswa organized food distribution programs to assist vulnerable families in Norton. Awareness Campaigns: Mliswa led awareness campaigns to educate the public about COVID-19 safety measures, ensuring that accurate information reached even the most remote areas of his constituency.

Being an independent MP in Zimbabwe comes with its unique set of advantages that I have enlisted below, the former MP used these benefits to gain fame and favor among fellow parliamentarians and his constituency

Autonomy: Independent MPs are not bound by party policies or directives. This allows them to make decisions based solely on the needs and interests of their constituents, rather than party agendas.

Flexibility: Without the constraints of party politics, independent MPs can collaborate with various stakeholders, including members from different political parties, civil society organizations, and the private sector. This flexibility can lead to more effective and inclusive policymaking.

Direct Accountability: Independent MPs are directly accountable to their constituents rather than a political party. This often results in a stronger focus on local issues and a greater commitment to addressing the specific needs of their communities.

Innovation: Free from party constraints, independent MPs can introduce innovative ideas and solutions to address local challenges. This can lead to more creative and effective approaches to governance and development.

Relationship with ZANU PF & Opposition Parties: Temba Former MP Temba Mliswa’s political journey has seen him interact with both ZANU PF and MDC, Zimbabwe’s major political parties. Initially a member of ZANU PF, Mliswa served as the MP for Hurungwe West and held significant positions within the party. However, his outspoken nature and clashes with party leadership led to his expulsion in 2015.

As an independent MP, Mliswa maintained a pragmatic approach, collaborating with members from all political parties when it benefited his constituents. His ability to navigate these relationships allowed him to secure resources and support for Norton, demonstrating the advantages of political independence

Richard Tsvangirai, the son of the late pro-democracy icon Morgan Tsvangirai, won the Norton Constituency Parliamentary election in 2023, representing the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Comparison between Temba Mliswa and Richard Tsvangirai:

• Experience and Advocacy: Former MP Mliswa was known for his vocal and proactive approach in parliament, often championing the welfare of his constituents and addressing national issues with vigor. MP Tsvangirai, being relatively new, has yet to establish a similar track record but brings a fresh perspective and the legacy of his father’s pro-democracy stance.
• Community Engagement: Former MP Temba Mliswa’s hands-on approach and regular community meetings fostered a strong connection with Norton residents. MP Tsvangirai has started engaging with the community, but it remains to be seen if he can match Former MP Temba Mliswa’s level of involvement.
• Development Projects: Former MP Temba Mliswa’s tenure saw tangible improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Temba Former MP Temba Mliswa’s tenure as the independent MP for Norton was marked by significant achievements that positively impacted the community. His focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents. The benefits of being an independent MP, such as autonomy, flexibility, direct accountability, and the ability to innovate, played a crucial role in enabling Mliswa to effectively serve the Norton community. Richard Tsvangirai, the new MP, brings a fresh perspective and the potential to build on Former MP Temba Mliswa’s legacy, but only time will tell if he can match or surpass Former MP Temba Mliswa’s contributions.

Its unfortunate that in Zimbabwe, the law does not allow the community that voted for an elected Member of Parliament (MP) to directly recall them. Instead, the power to recall an MP lies with the political party to which the MP belongs. This is outlined in Section 129(1)(k) of the Zimbabwean Constitution, which states that an MP’s seat becomes vacant if the political party they were elected under declares that they no longer belong to that party.There have been calls to amend this clause to better align with democratic principles and ensure that MPs remain accountable primarily to their constituents rather than their political parties.