‘Task ahead is to resolve national crisis’—Tsvangirai

By Tichaona Sibanda
20 March 2006

Morgan Tsvangirai was on Sunday re-elected unopposed as President of the MDC and immediately went on the offensive by warning the Zanu (PF) government that ‘a storm is on the horizon’ as his party prepares for mass protests to ‘resolve the national crisis.’

In his acceptance speech, soon after the elections that saw Makokoba MP Thokozani Khupe being elected Vice-President of the party, Tsvangirai said the new MDC leadership had a ‘responsibility to pull the country out of this mess.’

Our correspondent Lionel Saungweme said former Matebeleland North governor Welshman Mabhena was forced to withdraw at the last minute after some delegates questioned whether he was a registered party cadre.

It was revealed at the congress that Mabhena was a paid up member who had over the years worked as a consultant for the party, but decided to stand down and support Khupe instead for the vice-president’s post.

Saungweme said many delegates felt Tsvangirai had delivered a rallying speech that must have left the regime wondering what he had up his sleeves.

Tsvangirai, whose speech at times was drowned by rapturous applause from the delegates, seemed intent on making it clear that the road to democracy was blocked by one person.

‘As we leave this congress, as we leave Harare, we must understand the task before us. We must resolve the national crisis. The dictator must brace himself for a long, bustling winter across the country. The bustle should lead us to a bright political season,’ said Tsvangirai.

Turning to the over 15 000 delegates who made it to the city sports centre from all over the country, Tsvangirai told them; ‘The regime has targeted your private space. The aim is to clear any thoughts of resistance through fear.’

Citing examples used by the ruling regime to silence the opposition, Tsvangirai said faced with a ruthless dictator the temptation among the people was to look inwards, take cover within their individual self and to insulate against collective action.

‘That temptation can overwhelm you and promote fear. Fear is sign of weakness. Fear is a sin. With hope and courage, we must overcome fear. The regime wants you to give up. We live under the shadow of a criminal state. The dictator shall hold onto the little food available. The dictator shall give the few jobs to his own cronies. The dictator shall reward the few who praise it.’

Earlier on Sunday, Tsvangirai had been elected unopposed while Khupe, beat Gertrude Mthombeni for the vice-president’s position.
National chairman Isaac Matongo was also elected unopposed.

Matobo MP Lovemore Moyo defeated Chitungwiza MP Fidelis Mhashu and Sekai Holland for the vice-national chairman’s post.
The powerful post of secretary-general went to outspoken Harare lawyer Tendai Biti who emerged as the hot favourate after polling more than 2000 votes against his nearest rival Tapiwa Mashakada, who eventually settled for the deputy secretary-general’s post.

Popular former Harare mayor Elias Mudzuri bounced back into mainstream politics by clinching the organising secretary’s portfolio.
His deputy will be Morgan Nkomichi.

Nelson Chamisa was retained as the party spokesman and former Chimanimani MP Roy Bennett was elected in absentia as the party treasurer.