Matabeleland Question: Marginalisation, Uneven ‘Democracy’ and Exclusion

This chapter deals with what is increasingly becoming referred to as the Matabeleland Question. It begins by contextualising what the Question entails, and how it relates to the national question. The basis of the ideas discussed in the chapter are issues of domination, regional marginalisation and the resentment against the party-state by many in the region as captured by literature and qualitative interviews that I conducted with people and organic intellectuals in the region. The chapter shines light on some actions and inactions by the ruling elite that have inculcated perceptions of regional neglect in the minds of those who come from the region. Issues such as Gukurahundi, lack of development, the water crisis in Bulawayo and other parts of Matabeleland, as well as poor educational outcomes in the region are some of the party-state (in)actions that have nourished perceptions of marginalisation and domination. An in-depth analysis of the education sector in the region is presented as a case study to evidence the basis of arguments about regional neglect. The case study also shows that accusations of regional marginalisation are a lived reality of many, and that national cohesion would be difficult to accomplish if the party-state does not deliberately prioritise an agenda that rebalances national development. The chapter also argues, on the basis of evidence, that calls for irredentism made by many informal organisations and individuals from the region are a higher-order call for socio-economic and political inclusion of the people of Matabeleland in the national agenda. Suggestions on how this can be achieved are provided in the chapter, foremost being the notion of devolution, which is already enshrined in the constitution despite prevarication by the party-state to implement it.