Tsvangirai sings Mujuru praises

Newsday

By Richard Chidza/ Moses Matenga

OPPOSITION MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has hailed former Vice-President Joice Mujuru’s “bold step” to re-enter the political fray, this time as an opposition politician.

“For us, the fact that liberation struggle icons have joined the opposition in articulating what Zimbabweans have been hoping for all these years is indeed a breath of fresh air,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“With the majority of Zimbabweans gearing for a new beginning, this week’s developments confirm that there is hope indeed for the future.”

The MDC-T leader, who is said to be pondering a coalition with Mujuru, said the former Vice-President’s move indicated Zanu PF’s impending demise.

“There has been a lot of speculation on the proper position of President Morgan Tsvangirai regarding the entrance of former Vice-President Joice Mujuru into the political fray, as a fellow opposition leader,” a statement from Tsvangirai’s spokesman Luke Tamborinyoka said.

“First, Tsvangirai’s position regarding the whole issue is that the bold step taken by Mujuru to finally and completely break ranks with Zanu PF confirms the inevitable demise of Zanu PF.

“We are heartened by her realisation that the opposition has been right all along that the crisis in the country has been about leadership, corruption and a bad governance culture by those in the stewardship of the State.

“We feel vindicated by her acknowledgement of the imperative for a new direction for the country.”

Early this week, Mujuru unveiled her People First party policy document, regarded by many as a political manifesto signalling her grand entry into opposition politics, almost nine months after she was booted out of both government and Zanu PF on allegations of plotting to assassinate President Robert Mugabe.

Mujuru, who had served as Mugabe’s deputy for 10 years, has denied the charges and challenged her accusers to present evidence.

Although Mujuru is yet to officially launch her party, several opposition parties have expressed interest in forming a grand coalition with her to challenge Mugabe’s Zanu PF party in the 2018 elections.

Former Finance minister and People’s Democratic Party leader Tendai Biti yesterday told party members in Harare that he was ready to engage all democratic forces, including Mujuru’s People First.

MDC spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi said they were ready as a party to work with anyone to ensure Zanu PF was ousted, but they were yet to make a position on the possibility of a coalition as Mujuru has not yet officially launched her party.

Former Education minister and MDC official David Coltart, however, warned that the coalition could be derailed by leaders’ personal egos.

“For as long as every competent leader wants to be President, building a coalition against Zanu PF will remain difficult, if not impossible. There can be only one President. Tsvangirai, Mujuru, (MDC leader Welshman) Ncube, Biti, (Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe leader Elton) Mangoma, (Zapu leader Dumiso) Dabengwa, (MKD leader Simba) Makoni and any other aspiring leader must remember that,” he said.

National Constitutional Assembly spokesperson Madock Chivasa welcomed Mujuru into opposition politics, but vowed they would never join hands with her party.

“We believe her coming-in is a reflection of democracy. We say good luck to her and we will meet in elections,” he said.