HOT SEAT: Tsvangirai speaks out on accusation of engaging in diversionary tactics

By Violet Gonda
27 December 2005

Morgan Tsvangirai has spoken out over accusations by his colleagues that he is engaged in diversionary tactics to hide his failures as head of the opposition party. Tsvangirai denied this, saying these are “sour grapes” as the party’s National Council set up a disciplinary committee which then levelled charges against these senior officials for offences they have committed.

When asked about specific charges made by the other leaders and also recently made by one of the party’s advisors, Professor Brian Raftopoulos, regarding his alleged failure to address the issues of violence, kitchen cabinets and accountability, Tsvangirai said there was a problem in May over the issue of violence and he expelled the undisciplined youths who were the perpetrators. He went on to say the violence that people are talking about was not initiated by himself or any of his senior officials. He said: “The violence that we know, is the violence that was perpetrated in Bulawayo (several weeks ago) when we tried to organise a meeting.” Tsvangirai alleged 200 youths led by Deputy Mayor Mhlanga attacked people, which resulted in one person losing an eye. He reiterated that he is committed to a non-violent struggle.

On the issue of the so-called kitchen cabinet, Tsvangirai, who is facing the greatest challenge to his leadership, said this is an accusation that has been invented. He explained that he has a staff that was approved by the party’s National Council as part of the restructuring of the President’s Office 3 months ago, adding that the staff of the Secretary General was also approved by the council. He said “If people say there are some people who are more important than the rest of the executive and the rest of the council, I don’t know who these people are but the president works with his staff. And he takes decisions on advice from a wide range of people including staff, Top Six, National Executive, AND National Council. I don’t run a unilateral process.”

Tsvangirai, who was speaking on the programme Hot Seat, said the differences that have emerged in the MDC leadership as a result of a divided strategy on the senate election have not ebbed, but have assumed an irreconcilable position. He said despite turbulence at leadership level, the mainstream of the MDC was pushing ahead. Preparations for the February congress are underway with 7 out of 12 provinces having completed regional congresses, while the pro-senate camp has insisted they are organising their own congress.

Tsvangirai said the infighting is part of ZANU PF’s machinations to destabilise the opposition and the senate election was the red herring of a much deeper and sinister agenda. The leader alleges that part of the agenda is to drive off a section of the MDC so there can be a government of national unity with ZANU PF.

He reiterated that ZANU PF was plotting to eliminate him but emphasised that this has nothing to do with the internal differences with his colleagues but can be used as an excuse and blamed on them. “My allegation was that the statement by the Army General Chedondo that Tsvangirai was public enemy no.1 is a threat to my life and this has nothing to do with the complicity of my colleagues in the MDC. This is ZANU PF’s strategy and if something happens to me then one should blame ZANU PF and not my colleagues in the MDC.”

On the internal squabbling with the other leaders in his party, Tsvangirai said he cannot explain the anger and the venom that has come from his colleagues. He said although the image of the party has been damaged the MDC will get out of this crisis much stronger. “It’s a shake up call so that people can have one ideological position and one focus; Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF.”

Tsvangirai said he is still prepared to play a part in reconciliation, saying the burden of rapprochement between the two group lies solely on the leaders. “I have done my part, I have not closed my door.”

The opposition leader said the impression created is that the MDC is divided but people on the ground are not divided. He believes the leadership and the media are the guilty ones who have created the hype.

He said the crisis will offer an opportunity to regroup, refocus and build a cohesive leadership. The people of Zimbabwe are committed to the struggle against the dictatorship and a united leadership can achieve results.

Asked about his outlook for 2006, Morgan Tsvangirai said the New Year holds many prospects for democratic forces to be mobilised against the dictatorship. “Once the MDC ceases to focus internally and directs people’s efforts towards the dictatorship, the tyranny and the suffering of Zimbabweans, then the MDC will become a leading force at the forefront of the democratic struggle together with the broad civic society.”