Fact Check: Did Zanu PF’s Matabeleland South Chairperson call opposition ‘confused cockroaches’?

Claim – Various media platforms reported that Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu referred to the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) as ‘confused cockroaches’ whilst at a ZANU PF rally.

Verdict: True or False: True

 During Zanu PF’s rally in Matabeleland South on July 1, 2023 Mangaliso Ndlovu who is also Zanu PF legislator for Bulilima East made the statement whilst taunting the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change.

 In a live recording  of the rally he is heard making the remarks in Ndebele which translate to;

“Your Excellency, Matabeleland South province is well organised. We (Zanu PF) don’t have a single independent candidate. There are others who are confused. We wonder if they are a convention for confused cockroaches,”

Conclusion

The statement attributed to Ndlovu by the media is true. The remarks contradict Section 160A paragraph 6 (c) of the Electoral Act’s Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates and other stakeholders which prohibits the use of hateful language which incites violence towards any individual or group, including in speeches, songs and slogans.

Sources

Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE)
Twitter

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