Tsvangirai was speaking at the burial of one of his most loyal ministers, Eliphas Mukonoweshuro who died last week.
“Let us go back to the time when we promise delivery to the nation.
Let’s stop attacking each other in the media,” he said.
Since the beginning of the year Zanu (PF) has been calling for elections – with or without a new constitution, while the MDC has been calling for a proper election roadmap that will ensure free and fair elections. It also wants to see the completion of the constitution-writing process.
Zanu (PF), which retains its iron grip on the state media – including the monopolistic ZBC – has upped its vitriol against Tsvangirai and his ministers, especially Finance Minister Tendai Biti who is regularly attacked in the Sunday Mail.
The MDC-T leader paid homage to ordinary Zimbabweans, many of whom contributed to the independence of the country and are still today engaged in a war for freedom.
In his message to the nation on the Heroes Day he said, “There are millions of unsung heroes and heroines of our painful national story – the ordinary men and women in places such as Nkayi, Bubi, Mandidzudzure, Chimanimani, Mukumbura, Mudzi and Nyamaroropa who fought our war of liberation.
“These were ordinary villagers who played a pivotal part in the attainment of independence. They have received neither adequate compensation nor recognition over the years.”
While Zanu (PF) has always exalted the deeds of fallen heroes and some who are still alive, the villagers who helped during the protracted war of independence have not been given due recognition.
Compensation was given to war combatants – but no recognition was made by Zanu (PF) to the villagers who were “the water in which the war veterans swam”.
Post published in: News