Tsvangirai, Mugabe and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara all attended the ceremony and so did several busloads of Zanu (PF) youths drawn from across Harare in what appeared a plan to drown the presence of the MDC-T that enjoys more support in Chitungwiza and Harare than Mugabes party. The youths who arrived in buses operated by Munenzva Bus Company sang and waved clenched fists, their party symbol, as they trooped into the complex. It all appeared like Zanu (PF) campaign rally.
At the gates into the complex Zanu (PF) Harare province officials led by one Murindagomo took charge of affairs blocking anyone they suspected of supporting the MDC from entering the venue. Meanwhile inside the swimming complex, the Zanu (PF) youths waited patiently until Mugabe had finished then they swung into action, singing songs and chanting slogans to mock and denigrate the Prime Minister. In one of songs the youths, some of who appeared drunk, mocked: “…..Tsvangirai dzungu richapera….” (we shall soon bring you to heel Tsvangirai).
MDC-T women’s assembly deputy national organising secretary Josephine Chitembwe lamented the hijacking of an event meant to focus on womens affairs and turning it into a political mudslinging match. She said: “Men’s presence at the event was by invitation since it was for women. I don’t know who invited Murindagomo but I suspect it was a well calculated move by Zanu (PF) to outnumber the MDC so they could humiliate the Prime Minister as they tried to do but that does not work.” Meanwhile hundreds of women complained Murindagomo and his team had barred them from attending the ceremony. “I came here for the women’s day. However, it’s surprising that we were turned away by Zanu (PF) men who seem to be in charge,” said 70-year old Eliatha Kanhenga who had travelled all the way from Mbare for the event.
Post published in: News