We seem to recall pictures of Tsvangirai in the papers, not so long ago, emerging from prison with the evidence of abuse by agents of Johannes’ God-appointed ‘old man.’ There was also trumped up treason charges for Tsvangirai. Who’s abused whom? Nyamwa-Ndanga says ‘we voted Tsvangirai into power in 2008 and he ran away at the critical moment.’ Aha! So Tsvangirai did win that disputed election.
The boot of the President shines daily. Zanu (PF) political commissar Webster Shamu also said if he could choose his parents he would have picked Robert Mugabe.
Property developer slash sungura singer, Energy Mutodi, received some rather unpleasant visitors after he registered his intention to stand against Beater Nyamupinga in the Zanu (PF) primary election polls for the Goromonzi constituency. Provincial Zanu (PF) chairperson, Ray Kaukonde, who a day earlier had blasted Mutodi for not following party protocol, denied having any ties to the goons, saying that if he had sent the men, Energy Mutodi wouldn’t still be walking the planet. Which, I suppose, means he doesn’t mess around.
SADC has stated that Zimbabwe must fully implement the terms of the Global Political Agreement before elections can be held. Zanu (PF) spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, said ‘We have implemented the GPA. What else do they want? Our security sector is the best in the region… Have you ever talked about reforming the security sector in South African or Tanzania?”
Fair point. However, what Gumbo fails to see is that in South Africa, ahead of elections, the South African Police Services commissioner would never openly lend her support to either Zile or Zuma. Only a fortnight ago, head of the army, General Constantine Chiwenga branded Tsvangirai a ‘psychiatric patient.’
The security sector chiefs have stated they ‘will not salute a president with no liberation war credentials’, implying that either they would resign or stage a revolt, if a non war vet, such as Tsvangirai, won an election. And we don’t need security sector reforms.
Shock, horror. President Mugabe has appealed to the international community for food assistance. Joice Mujuru weighed in with her opinion. She said the country hasn’t yet recovered from the 1995 drought. She really shouldn’t have spoken. Kids born in 1995 are dating, going to college, breeding. It was 18 years ago, your Excellency. Do not insult the intelligence of your countrymen.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has said it will begin a new voter registration exercise. ZEC, under new head, Justice Rita Makarau, was commended by observers for the manner in which it managed the referendum.
Rita Makarau responded professionally to questions from the media, which is a far cry from her predecessor, Judge George Charamba, who literally ran from journalists, wielding only cameras and notepads, when the pressure became too much. Hopefully Rita Makarau can rescue the nation from the present chaos.
That man Jabulani Sibanda again was in Lupane where he ordered all village heads to instruct villagers to burn MDC cards. Sibanda, chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, has denied intimidating anyone. Calling his visits “just orientation meetings”. Rather eerily, Sibanda said ‘I’ll be back.’
That’s it for the week. Like Jabulani, Jerà too returns soon.
My pen is capped. Jera@workmail.com
Post published in: Opinions & Analysis