CAPE TOWN - I have to note with disappointment that the decision made by the MDC to boycott cabinet meetings was made while they still held their positions.
It is confusing and concerning that the party has shown great inconsistency, they have preached that the government of national unity is safe to invest in and yet they openly admit that Zanu (PF) has neglected them and disrespected them. It further disturbs me that the decision to withdraw was made while still driving in the luxury vehicles that cabinet ministers have been given, and while still maintaining their positions. Surely for any government to function, regardless of the political tensions that exist, a cabinet needs to be coordinated and informed of each other ministrys actions?
It seems to me that the decision to remain in their positions lacked courage and belief in the integrity of certain MDC ministers, who would most likely defect from MDC and remain in positions because of their new found power and lifestyles. The withdrawal from meetings defeats the point of being in cabinet. They are still indulging in lavish lifestyles, but just not fulfilling the minimum expectations of their jobs. This decision is a jelly fish one which only creates confusion and more frustration. Zimbabweans were distressed and confused when the decision to make the huge unity government compromise was made; it was obvious that there would never be a government with Mugabe and Tsvangirai respecting each other.
Great power, great responsibility
How the MDC can come to this position after, not before, touring the world and guaranteeing them of the security of Zimbabwes unity government really is disturbing. This is just one of the many disappointments that have kept MDC out of the presidency. Let us not forget that after six months of its existence the MDC won half the vote, in what it alleged was a rigged election. Now 10 years later they have still not taken over. That the MDC has, in that time, divided and the MDC-T constitution has been amended- allowing for the president of the MDC to remain in power indefinitely. This questions the democratic structures of the movement. It must be remembered that the revolutionary peoples frustration and anger has been silenced by their faith in the MDC. Tsvangirai said himself that they had been given the peoples mandate, but what have they done with this mandate?
There has been a silent genocide with millions dying from avoidable diseases and starvation while people invest their votes, at great risk, in the MDC-T. Is it fair to say that in the last 10 years the MDC has remained with the mandate of the people, has taken on great responsibility and has achieved very little? In this time millions, in fact as much as a third of Zimbabwes population, have migrated, life expectancy has almost halved, employment levels have reach rock bottom, schools have been shut for months on end and hospitals ended up without basic medicines. Does the great power they have not also come with great responsibility?
Post published in: Opinions