Daniel Shumba

Service/Career

Daniel Shumba was born to a founding member of Zapu. He underwent Zanla's basic military training at Chisamba, Zambia in 1978 before continuing with his academics. Dr Daniel Shumba's accolades extend to having served in the Special Forces (The Parachute Group) of the Zimbabwe National Army between 1983 to 1989. ^[2]

Shumba became Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front provincial chairperson for Masvingo Province. He was also elected to the Central Committee and appointed in the Politburo which is the highest decision-making body in Zanu-PF.

In the 2013 Elections, (see A History of Zimbabwean Elections) Masvingo Urban returned to Parliament:

• Daniel Shumba of Zanu PF with 10 988 votes or 48.94 percent,
• Tongai Matutu of MDC–T with 10 424 votes or 46.41 percent,
• Vitalis Paradza of MDC–N with 587 votes or 4.07 percent,
• Mable Mtshakatshi of ZAPU with 228 votes or 1.02 percent,
• Tichaona Revai of ZAPU with 149 votes or 0.66 percent.

Total 22 461 votes

Events

Tsholotsho Declaration

Shumba was one of the party leaders who attended the Tsholotsho meeting in 2004 which became to be known as the Tsholotsho Declaration.^[3] The meeting which took place in November 2004 was attended by senior party members such as Emmerson Mnangagwa, Jonathan Moyo, Jabulani Sibanda and Joseph Chinotimba. ^[3] It is believed that the meeting was called following disgruntlement over the appointment of Joice Mujuru, who was regarded as a junior in terms of rank, at the expense of senior members such as Mnangagwa. This period marked the demise of Shumba's political career as he fell out of Robert Mugabe's favour. ^[3]

Suspension and Resignation from Zanu-PF

Shumba was suspended from the party for 5 years following his participation in the controversial Tsholotsho meeting but he resigned from the party. He then joined the United People's Party (UPP) and became its interim president in 2006. ^[3] During the 2008 elections, Shumba attempted to contest against Robert Mugabe and this was a testimony to his growing dislike of Zanu PF. ^[4]

Formation of United Democratic Alliance

In February 2018 Shumba announced that he had formed a political party named the United Democratic Alliance. This was the second party he had formed after the United People Front. In a report, Shumba disassociated himself from the New Patriotic Front created by expelled members of the G40.

For the record and in fact, the UDA and it’s President Daniel Shumba are not associated with nor are we a partner or in alliance with the said New Patriotic Front,” he said. “The UDA will work with all progressive Zimbabweans in reclaiming our country. Democracy, constitutionalism, rule of law, inclusiveness are fundamental in fostering a new culture, new order, and a new thinking that is underpinned in Godly principles.

“So, clearly, we are not part of the New Patriotic Front or any attempt to recreate an old order in any form. Soon, in this month of February, we shall be officially launching UDA.”^[5]

Business Interests

Teleaccess

Shumba was the first person in Zimbabwe to be awarded a license to operate a fixed telephone network.^[6] His fixed-line company named TeleAccess Communications was licensed in January 2003. However, after failing to operate a network commercially, the license was revoked by the telecoms regulator, POTRAZ, in December 2005. Shumba blamed the failure to funding problems and the economic downturn then. It was reported that the failure involved some political involvement by Shumba himself, high employee turnover and disputes with the regulator. TeleAccess was reported to have approached the courts seeking to repeal the license revocation by POTRAZ. ^[7]

Hospitality

Shumba also owns a hotel, Kings Haven, which is located in Avondale, Harare. ^[6]

Further Reading

References