HARARE Former Zanu (PF) stalwart Edgar Tekere made a surprise appearance at the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) 10th anniversary rally in Mutare last weekend, adding to the mystery over his real political allegiances after reports linking him with a sensational comeback to President Robert Mugabes faction-ridden party. (Pictured: Edgar Tekere)The veteran nationalist and former Zanu (PF) secretary-general briefly addressed the crowd of more than 40 000 MDC supporters who had gathered at Sakubva Stadium to hear party president and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai speak on progress in the six-month coalition with Mugabe.
Tekere praised the MDC leadership for the courage it had shown in fighting dictatorship since the partys formation 10 years ago.
In return, Tsvangirai blasted the government for not providing adequate social security nets to cushion veterans of the countrys 1970s war of liberation such as Tekere.
I am worried about the health of Mr Tekere and the welfare of war veterans. If government cannot provide for veterans of the liberation struggle, how can it provide for the generality of the people of Zimbabwe? Tsvangirai said.
Tekere, 72, and another former Zanu (PF) stalwart Enos Nkala were last month linked with a possible return to the party they helped form amid reports they allegedly approached Zimbabwe Chiefs Council president Fortune Charumbira and expressed their willingness to reconcile with Mugabe.
The alleged encounter with Charumbira took place on the sidelines of last months conference on national healing held in Harare at which both Mugabe and Tsvangirai called for unity of purpose in resolving Zimbabwes political and economic challenges.
Neither the two politicians nor Zanu (PF) have confirmed or denied that the meeting with Charumbira indeed took place.
Tekere was expelled from Zanu (PF) in 1988 for his outspoken condemnation of unpunished corruption and Mugabe’s plans for a one-party state.
(Xhead) Maverick politician
The maverick politician once stood against Mugabe in the 1990 presidential elections when he formed the short-lived Zimbabwe Unity Movement.
Tekere also campaigned vigorously for former finance minister Simba Makoni and his Mavambo/Kusile Movement during last years harmonized elections.
The firebrand politician, who once referred to Mugabe as a Johnny Come Lately who only joined the liberation struggle later than other nationalists, was also in the news last month when he described the MDC formations led by Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara as sellouts for allowing Mugabe to retain his post as president in the inclusive
government.
He told a meeting in Harare that the concession by Tsvangirai and Mutambara to allow Mugabe to remain president was an act of treachery.
If it was (former South African President Thabo) Mbeki who persuaded you to do that, I am sure by now you should have learnt better. It was apparent Tsvangirai won that election even if it was by half a vote. Mugabe lost, said the man also called Two Boy.
He added: And you went on to make that mad concession that Mugabe becomes Head of State. Haikona (It cant be)!
Tekere said the MDC should not be crying foul that President Mugabe was unilaterally appointing his loyalists to key government posts because he still had the powers according to the constitution to do so in spite of the Global Political Agreement which calls for a collective approach.
Having Mugabe as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces was your concession to the loser, he said.
Post published in: News