Mduduzi Mathuthu

• Certificate in Web Design from Thomson Foundation, Wales.
• Advanced Diploma in International Journalism from Thomson Foundation, Wales.
• Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the University of Glamorgan, Wales.
• Master of Arts in Journalism from Cardiff University. ^[1]

Service / Career

Mathuthu used to work as a DailyNews correspondent in Bulawayo. In 2002 he went to the United Kingdom to pursue further education, and where he sought asylum after which he established New Zimbabwe.com.
In June 2003 he set up the NewZimbabwe.com news website which became popular in the UK and eventually with Zimbabweans across the world. ^[2]
He returned during the run-up to the 31 July 2013 elections and in October 2013 he was appointed editor of the state-controlled Chronicle replacing Itai Musengeyi.
His appointment as Chronicle editor ignited a huge debate with some saying his site was a Zanu PF operation. It was also suggested that NewZimbabwe.com represented Zanu PF views and at times defended the abuses by the party and Robert Mugabe. ^[3]
Before starting ZimLive.com Mathuthu was the editor of Southern African focused newspaper The Southern Times.
In May 2016, Mathuthu was transferred by Zimpapers to Namibia to take up the post of Southern Times editor. The transfer to Namibia was widely viewed as a demotion apparently for having written an article on Gukurahundi that portrayed Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the negative. ^[4]

Events

2023 Kasukuwere Presidential Election Bid

Mduduzi Mathuthu believed that Saviour Kasukuwere’s presidential election bid could result in a run-off in the August 2023 elections. It is said that Kasukuwere has applied for a lifting of his arrest warrant so he can return for nomination court on 21 June 2023.

Saviour Kasukuwere would wish to rejoin Zanu PF, which, if accepted, would have implications for the party’s internal dynamics. Even if he runs as an independent candidate, he is likely to get a fraction of voters from that party. Kasukuwere, who has been in self-exile since 2017 when he fled after the November 2017 Military Coup, was allegedly one of the G40 Zanu PF faction leaders and is said to still command a significant following in Zanu PF circles. A run-off election would happen if no candidate receives over 50% of the vote. ^[5]

Further Reading

References