Mugabe supporters hijack ICT event

Newsday

29 March 2012

Zanu PF supporters on Wednesday turned President Robert Mugabe’s launch of a government e-learning programme at Chogugudza Primary School in Domboshava into a party event, turning up clad in their party regalia and chanting praise songs for the 88-year-old party leader.

MDC-T national organising secretary and Information Communication Technology minister Nelson Chamisa, who also officiated at the event, objected to this and said such behaviour provoked and alienated other political parties taking part at such events.

The e-learning programme is a joint project administered by Mugabe, Chamisa and David Coltart’s Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture.

“We are in an inclusive government and I am excited I am here to celebrate the significance of successfully delivering education to our children,” Chamisa said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Mugabe said: “We want to build a legacy. We will not live forever and we should live wise people. You heard him (Chamisa) say he got to where he is because of the education system that was there.”

The Zanu PF leader later donated 10 computers each to 20 schools in Mashonaland East Province.

On Monday, MDC-T sources accused Mugabe of hijacking the project from Chamisa.

But Mugabe’s spokesperson George Charamba dismissed the allegations, saying his boss had initiated the programme by doling out thousands of computers throughout the country’s schools 10 years ago.

The launch was attended by Mashonaland East governor Aeneas Chigwedere and Cabinet ministers from Zanu PF and the MDC formations.