Zimbabweans shocked by Tsvangirai cancer

News 24

28th June 2016

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai shocked the nation on Monday with the announcement that he has colon cancer

“Get well soon, Save”, “We love you so much” and “I suggest you visit TB Joshua again” – these were some of the online reactions from Zimbabweans to news that Tsvangirai has cancer of the colon.

Save (pronounced Sav-eh) is one of the names Tsvangirai’s supporters call him. Save is a large river in the area that the burly 64-year-old politician comes from in eastern Zimbabwe.

Rumours of Tsvangirai’s ill-health have been growing for a while, fuelled by his no-show at recent MDC events and by confirmation he went for an operation in SA last month.

Officials at the time downplayed the seriousness of his complaint, perhaps because the cancer was only diagnosed when he got to hospital in SA.

The announcement of cancer is “absolutely huge”, according to Zimbabwean journalist @nqabamatshazi.

It’s already inviting comparisons with Mugabe, who’s nearly three decades older than the man who came close to unseating him during elections in 2008. Tsvangirai himself made a barely-disguised dig at the president in his statement, saying – as did former Education Minister David Coltart, who disclosed his own prostate cancer fears last month – that “the health of national leaders, including politicians, should not be a subject of national speculation and uncertainty”.

“Get well soon, true son of the soil”

Mugabe makes frequent trips to Singapore for medical attention, but has never disclosed the true nature of his complaint. Given the frequency and the length of his trips to Singapore, it is hard to believe that he is still suffering from the after-effects of what was said to be a cataract operation in 2014.

While Tsvangirai is being praised for his bravery in disclosing the exact nature of his complaint, he will also inevitably face questions about his ability to maintain the momentum needed to mount what will be a punishing campaign ahead of presidential elections in 2018.

Tsvangirai’s party has always said he will stand again against Mugabe, who at 92 shows no sign of wanting to let another candidate fight the battle.

Tweeted @RangaMberi: “Chemotherapy will slow down even the toughest among us. More power to him.”

Tsvangirai has already begun chemo, according to his statement.

The MDC posted a picture of Tsvangirai with his wife Elizabeth in what looked like a clinic.

For now, though, most Zimbabweans showed their concern for a man who has spent the past 17 years at the helm of the MDC.

As good wishes began to flood the opposition’s Facebook page minutes after the announcement, Tawanda Mudhliwa posted: “Get well soon, true son of the soil.”

Simba Mudzudza wrote: “My prayer is for you to get well soon. The nation at large, their hope is on you. Their happiness is on you. May the Almighty bless you to lead the Zimbabwe republic. l salute you since you started this journey. We are almost there. Don’t give up, Save. Good day, my President.”

Tozivashe Chiweshe said: “Warriors don’t cry. Soldier on, Mr MDC. Zimbos are with you.”

There has been no reaction from Zimbabwean authorities.

Colo-rectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. Tsvangirai’s deputy, Thokozani Khuphe, is a cancer survivor herself: she fought breast cancer in 2011 and 2012, receiving treatment in SA. Tsvangirai paid a visit to Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua in 2013.