PM gets louder cheers than MugabeThe giant television screen was used by live cameras to monitor the arrival of dignitaries and close up pictures of footballers. All was going well as the 60 000 gathered fans enjoyed a carnival atmosphere created by the performances of two of the country’s most popular musicians, Tongai Moyo and Alick Macheso.
Their music was almost drowned out by the continuous blowing of vuvuzelas. Suddenly, the cameras focused on a figure walking into the VIP enclosure and, as it became clear that it was Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, the wild cheers from the tens of thousands of people totally drowned Macheso.
“Tsvangirai, Tsvangirai, mudhara! Chinja!”
Technicians controlling the giant screen removed Tsvangirai’s picture from the screen and left a static message announcing that Zimbabwe would be taking on Brazil in a friendly international match. The crowd did not take that lying down. They jeered loudly as President Mugabe, who was limping heavily, walked into the stadium.
One of the bays which appeared to be packed with Zanu (PF) supporters, erupted into a frenzy, praising Mugabe’s exploits as a warrior. The limping Mugabe, who appeared to have problems waving a Zimbabwean flag, was surrounded by a retinue of bodyguards.
When Tsvangirai stood next to Mugabe to greet the Brazilian team, the cameras could not ignore the Prime Minister. Joint public appearances at the National Sports Stadium have become nightmarish for Mugabe of late.
At the 30th Independence celebrations, the loudest cheers were reserved for the Prime Minister despite all efforts to make him take a back seat.
Said one member of the crowd: “These people in Zanu PF should not think that when we attend their projects like this football match we now support them.
Everybody is aware that we are in these problems because of Zanu (PF) and so they should know that they dont have our support,” said a fan.
Post published in: News