HARARE Former finance minister Simba Makoni has labeled his former colleagues in Zanu (PF) as murderers and thieves in an article that also questioned the wisdom of the MDC formations in agreeing to join the unity government. A losing Presidential hopeful in Zimbabwes March 2008 presidential elections, former Finance Minister and Zanu (PF) politburo member, Simba Makoni, has labeled his ex-colleagues in Zanu (PF) as murderers and thieves. Makoni, who contested last years presidential election as an independent and came a distant third behind Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe, launched his strongest criticism yet of his former party on the social network Face book last Wednesday.
Ladies and gentlemen we have not arrived just yet; this is not the Zimbabwe we want. This message needs to reach our colleagues who happen to be in the inclusive government, said Makoni, a former Zanu (PF) politburo member whom some had tipped as potential successor to Mugabe until he rebelled against the veteran leader to contest the March 2008 presidential vote.
They (MDC) are content to rub shoulders with murderers and thieves (Zanu PF), as long as some of the proceeds from the plunder of our nation are given to them in the form of luxury cars, luxury offices and lavish travel, said Makoni.
Makoni, who took Mugabe by surprise when he announced his decision to enter the presidential race last year, also questioned the performance of the inclusive government. In his critic Makoni urged ordinary Zimbabweans to start criticising all parties within the inclusive government not just Zanu (PF). Zimbabwes three main political parties led by Mugabe, Prime Minister Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara signed a Global Political Agreement (GPA) last September which led to the formation of the inclusive government in February.
Makoni said: Who monitors the monitors? Who polices the police? Who ministers the ministers? Who governs the government? The people: you and I, we cannot afford to shirk from this our duty as citizens of Zimbabwe. Some have said do not criticise MDC others are saying stop saying these things about Zanu (PF) and I say when the inclusive government starts delivering, then and only then will I seal my mouth and thank heavens.
Makoni formed his own Mavambo/ Kusile/Dawn party early this year in the high-density suburb of Mbare. He intends to run in the countrys next elections. The party members have already split, with some having formed another political party in protest of Makonis leadership style.
Makoni is also a former executive secretary of Southern African Development Community (SADC) as well as former head of the state-owned Zimpapers group which owns The Herald newspaper, among other titles.
Post published in: News