One of 13 senior officials embroiled in a war of words with party President Morgan Tsvangirai, recently told The Zimbabwean that as long as his political stance served the public interest, no-one would make him shut-up.
“People should be allowed access to information and reality about goings on in the party in order for them to make informed decisions in time,” said Mangoma.
He insisted that his calls for true democracy in the party were not motivated by lust for power, but in the interests of opening up space for those officials willing to help breathe life into the people’s project.
What people abhorred about Zanu (PF) should not be allowed to prevail in MDC-T, he added. Violence should not be given space in MDC-T and the party should allow for a divergence of ideas and beliefs.
Determined
His recent assault has left Mangoma more determined than ever to contribute towards the struggle for democracy. Tsvangirai has distanced himself from the violent youths and promised to deal with the culprits when identified.
Police have charged MDC-T youth secretary for security and defence, James Chidhakwa, in connection with the assault. They are also keen to interview MDC-T Harare Central Constituency Member of Parliament, Murisi Zwizwai, Dennis Murira, Shakespear Mukoyi, Paul Gorekore and several other youths in connection with the assault.
Some MDC-T national members said calls for leadership renewal would not be subdued by a few bootlickers and hero worshippers. They said the calls were not coming from Mangoma alone but from more than 700,000 registered party members.
“Non-violent party membership, the donor community and other interested parties were disturbed by the violence used to muzzle right thinking people like Mangoma.
Mangoma biog
Mangoma is a founding member of the MDC-T. He is one of the first black Chartered Accountants to qualify in Zimbabwe. He was Minister of Energy and Power Development in the Government of National Unity and Member of Parliament for Makoni North. He attended Goromonzi High before studying for a Bachelors degree in accountancy and a Masters in Business Leadership .
Post published in: News
Carry on Mangoma. At least you have the courage to confront the intraparty despot unlike some sycophantic cowards whose main agenda is to enrich themselves through politics rather than improve our politics. Mangoma’s questions need to be answered: What is being done to stop the theft of party money by Tsvangirai and others? What are the steps being implemented to stem the tide of party violence? Is it right for leaders to be promiscuous and what lessons will they be passing on to society through that? Why are dissenting voices being silenced? Why is Tsvangirai still hanging on to the prime minister’s official residence given that he has many houses in Harare?
Elton Mangoma stands on high moral ground in all this. He is right that MDC-T leaders must stop stealing from party coffers. The use of violence against each other for the sake retaining power must stop. Morgan must all go out of the haunted Highlands home. Morgan has embarrassed the party through his promiscuity. Tsvangirai has exposed himself as a weak leader in the GNU. Mugabe was always manipulating him.
Well done Mangoma. Never be intimidated by thugs and thieves. Stand for what is right. Stand for uprightness in politics. We need a new political dispensation not old wine in new bottles. Tsvangirai lacks both transparency and democracy. He must go now!
Mangoma ijinda ndovanhu vatinoda kwete ma praise singers kunge ana Chamisa, mupfana uyu ndaimbomutemba asi apa andirigira pasi