MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai (L) attends the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) annual summit together with Secretary General of the party, Tendai Biti on August 16, 2008.
THE leader of the Movement for Democratic Change has indicated that his party is not interested in positions, but ‘real power’ saying that his party will not accept anything short of a Prime Minister position with full authority to govern.
Morgan Tsvangirai who was speaking to reporters in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi where he is visiting the newly installed Prime Minister, Raila Odinga also said the framework on roles of the proposed PM and President had led to the stalling of the ongoing talks.
Breaking his vowed silence on discussing the progress of the talks, Tsvangirai gave an indication of where the “sticking point” was in the talks. "We have agreed that under the new creation, there must be a prime minister and the president. How to share the authority and responsibility over government is the main stumbling block," said Tsvangirai to journalists gathered at Nairobi’s Intercontinental Hotel.
Tsvangirai also insisted that he will not serve as a junior to President Robert Mugabe.
“How do you distinguish between the Head of State and Head of Government without necessarily defining anyone as ceremonial? It is not envisaged that the president becomes ceremonial but also it’s not envisaged the other party becomes a ceremonial PM.”
Tsvangirai also revealed that if an all-inclusive government was to be formed it would only be transitional, running for two-and-half years. He said the roles of the two positions (PM and President) for the two-and-half years of transition were a fundamental basis for the talks.
He said the position of PM, if it was to be created, should have the “necessary authority” to run government.
“If we are going to create a position of Prime Minister, not only should he or she have authority to run government but should also have powers to drive and transform government. One cannot be a junior partner to another. It is not the sharing of position but it is the sharing of power,” he said.
Tsvangirai’s visit to Kenya comes at a time when the main political parties are currently engaged in all-party negotiations to form an all-inclusive government.
Tsvangirai’s party had earlier indicated that he (Tsvangirai) would be visiting leaders of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) – the regional body that gave President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa the mandate to mediate in the talks.
The visit to Kenya, however, came as a surprise as the MDC-T leader had made such a visit earlier this year and as his party had not indicated that he would make a visit outside the Sadc region.
Tsvangirai said that he had flown to the East African country to consult his close ally on the country's experience on power sharing model to find a way forward by learning how the ODM/PNU coalition (Grand Coalition Government) in Kenya was working.
Prime Minister Odinga, who held private talks with the MDC-T leader (a close ally of his) at his Karen residence in Nairobi, is a harsh critic of President Mugabe’s government. The two leaders’ parties are part of an international organisation made up of opposition parties – the Liberal International, whose membership includes South Africa’s Democratic Alliance, Mozambique’s National Resistance (Renamo) party led by Afonso Dhlakama and the UK’s Liberal Democratic Party (whose leader Nick Clegg has called for military action against President Mugabe’s government).
The Parti Démocratique Sénégalais (Senegalese Democratic Party) of President Maitre Abdoulaye Wade is also part of the LI. Tsvangirai has consulted the Senegalese President in the past and shared a platform with him at the LI Annual Congress earlier this year.
NON-NEGOTIABLES
Media reports had earlier speculated that President Mugabe would be reduced to a ceremonial leader, while all the executive power would be vested in the Prime Minister, a position which would be created for the MDC-T leader.
Zanu PF had indicated prior to the talks that the position of PM was “non-negotiable” – among other conditions. The ruling party argued that the June 27 run-off presidential election was won resoundingly by President Mugabe after the MDC-T leader boycotted the election citing increasing violence and intimidation; hence the issue of the presidency was “a done deal”.
The MDC-T leader maintained that “the will of the people as expressed in the March 29 election puts the burden of government in the hands of our party”. The March 29 election did not produce a winner, as an outright 50 plus one percent was required of a candidate to form a government.
Both President Mugabe and Tsvangirai failed to secure the required majority forcing a run-off Presidential election to be carried out.
Tsvangirai’s statement was the clearest indication to date of the proposals being discussed by the parties. A media blackout had been imposed on talks before they stalled over the issue of executive power.
Fungai Madzinga • fungaimadzinga@yahoo.com Subject: Phone Call Dilemma Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:38:25 • ITS THREE AM IN THE MORNING AND THERE IS PHONE CALL IN THE STATE HOUSE A CRITICAL DECISION ON NATIONAL SECURITY NEEDS TO BE MADE INSTANTLY
WHO DO YOU TRUST TO PICK THAT PHONE.
1) MUGABE who will pick up the phone and and send the CIO, army and youth brigade (ma Boarder Gezi) immediately
2) TSVANGISON who cant make a decision for himself and will
a) PHONE A FRIEND............ie khama.odinga..tony leon
b) GO 50/50....................guess work
c) ask the audience.....
THE DECISION IS YOURS YOU CAN ASNWER THE QUESTION , PHONE A FRIEND, GO 50/50 OR ASK THE AUDIENCE
Nasdaq7 • whiteskies@webmail.co.za Subject: The whites should govern Zimbabwe. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:35:24 • The rest cannot and everyone can see that.
vekumapako • n/a Subject: This Parliament is proof democracy alive and well in Zimbabwe Sun, 24 Aug 2008 06:52:18 • Tomorrow the Parliament of Zimbabwe consisting of the House of Assembly and The Senate is convened following a gazette by the Executive President of the Republic of Zimbabwe which through such powers allows him to convene ,suspend or disband Parliament. They have resolved that the will of the people can no longer be held hostage by political mischief. This Parliament is proof that democracy thrives in Zimbabwe, this is a truly democratic 7th parliament of Zimbabwe, the emphasis will be on co-operation not on telling others what to do. Those who claim a majority in parliament will be disappointed come voting time tomorrow. Zimbabweans have matured immensely which scares its enemies a million fold. Zimbabweans refused to be baited into civil strife, they said we will wait until our will is respected after all they refused to give one or the other party an overwhelming majority compelling all three parties to co-operate in the business of Parliament. We now have MDC(the real one) in the unique position of having a realistic chance of having Paul Themba Nyathi elected as speaker despite their numbers in Parly. They are equal partners. No one can be ignored anymore. Political hegemony as advocated by those demanding all the powers on earth has been dealt a severe blow. Surely the Unity Agreement that the late Father of Zimbabwe signed up to is now bearing fruit, surely he was right. Foresight is vital. Zimbabweans must not accept anything other than the very best from its reps in parliament. Those that seek to hold the nation to ransom must be dealt with swiftly, they should be thrown out of Parly as the constitution demands and replaced by citizens who have the nation at heart. Zimbabweans must be proud of themselves for engineering this Parliament
Nyoka • nyka@yahoo.com Subject: MT- Sell Out Sat, 23 Aug 2008 20:55:43 • Tsvangirai, Biti and Party are green snakes in the green grass. Zimbabwe is under sanction coz of them. One wonders whether they are biological Zimbabweans. Their antics are like grass which follows the direction to which the wind blows. Today they are Zimbabweans, tomorrow Americans, day after Britons.Vanhu varikutambudzika ivo vachidya vachiguta. Its time to handover Tsvangirai, Biti and Party to Hague to answer charge of war criminal, you call for sanction to hurt ordinary people today, you claim its Mugabe's mismanagement whom are you trying to fool TANETA NECHEAP POLITICS DZENYU.
dreadloxx • na. Subject: WE LEARN BY OUR MISTAKES Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:43:12 • On 20.8.08 the BBC reported that:
... Kenya's prime minister has welcomed former anti-corruption chief John Githongo home after three years of self-imposed exile. Raila Odinga held talks with the ex anti-graft investigator, who is in Kenya for a brief visit. Mr Githongo fled to the UK saying he feared for his life, after accusing senior members of the government of massive looting. He is also expected to give a speech at a public anti-corruption forum....
WE HOPE THAT MT WAS THERE TO BE INSPIRED BY GITHONGO's WORDS AS WE UNDERSTAND THAT HE WAS VISITING KENYA LAST WEEK?
who wants to be a president • waltermurder@yahoo.co.uk Subject: RE: 3AM PHONE CALL Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:40:17 • ITS THREE AM IN THE MORNING AND THERE IS PHONE CALL IN THE STATE HOUSE A CRITICAL DECISION ON NATIONAL SECURITY NEEDS TO BE MADE INSTANTLY
WHO DO YOU TRUST TO PICK THAT PHONE.
1) MUGABE who will pick up the phone and make the decision straight away or
2) TSVANGISON who cant make a decision for himself and will
a) PHONE A FRIEND............ie khama.odinga..tony leon
b) GO 50/50....................guess work
c) ask the audience.....
THE DECGISION IS YOURS YOU CAN ASNWER THE QUESTION , PHONE AFRIEND, GO 50/50 OR ASK THE AUDIENCE
who wants to be a president • waltermurder@yahoo.co.uk Subject: RE: 3AM PHONE CALL Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:39:04 • ITS THREE AM IN THE MORNING AND THERE IS PHONE CALL IN THE STATE HOUSE A CRITICAL DECISION ON NATIONAL SECURITY NEEDS TO BE MADE INSTANTLY
WHO DO YOU TRUST TO PICK THAT PHONE.
1) MUGABE who will pick up the phone and make the decision straight away or
2) TSVANGISON who cant make a decision for himself and will
a) PHONE A FRIEND............ie khama.odinga..tony leon
b) GO 50/50....................guess work
c) ask the audience.....
THE DECGISION IS YOURS YOU CAN ASNWER THE QUESTION , PHONE AFRIEND, GO 50/50 OR ASK THE AUDIENCE
toddkidd • toddkidd67@yahoo.com Subject: Power sharing talks Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:15:09 • I'm black American and while I sympathize with the plight of the oridnary Zimbabwean on the street, I do not believe that Morgan Tsvangirai has the best intersts of the people he represents. It was Mr. Tsvangirai that flew to western countries requesting sanctions. The sanctions have decimated the economy of Zimbawe and people are suffering; yet, Mr. Tsvangirai is not calling for an end to sanctions.
Although ZANU-has made a lot of mistakes, i support them on land reform in zimbabwe. I also feel that President Mugabe is trying to meet Mr. Tsvangirai half way by agreeing to appoint him Prime Mininster and by not naming a cabinet until the three parties come to an agreement on the memorandum of understanding. However, I believe the peace talks will collapse because Mr. Tsvangirai is an opportunits being controlled by Western countries.
If Mr. Tsvangirai refuses to sign the MOI, I suggest that MDC-Mutambara sign and move forward. It's wrong for Mr. Tsvangirai to hold Zimbabwe hostage because he wants to be president. He should take prime minister and wait two years and run for president and earn the job.
Thanks. black american in new orleans.
n/a • n/a Subject: TINOTOTONGA CHETE! KUTYEI? Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:16:36 • Rudo Zanu(PF) haitye kutonga nokuti ndozvayakarwira hondo. MDC is the party that should fear power if this were to come to it (god forbid) without the blessing of Zanu(PF) and the people. WHY? Coz tinovarovarova nechimurenga pamwe chete nevarungu vavo avo vanzwa nekurohwa kuM.E. and Asia. Saka zvimbgwasungata musachemera power inozoita semunhu abata maperembudzi. Zivai.
Rule of law in Botswana • N/A Subject: Concesus Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:50:40 • From what I can read on the comments, there is consesus on both Zanu PF and MDC supporters that talks have failed. We are all in agreement that Zanu PF should continue to form government, possibly with Mutambara and move on. These name calling we have been engaged in over the years will not help anything. We suppoters of the MDC want MDC to rule, and Zanu Pf also want power at all costs (murder and torture). So aluta continua. The people are suffering in Zim, they will continue to suffer because they made their own choices. Some killed others in order to continue to suffer. So as Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe (not the diaspora people who post nonsense on this site because they are benefiting from the crisis) we will continue to do what we know best; suffering. Lets see what happens in 2013.
WHO WANTS TO BE A PRESIDENT • waltermurder@yahoo.co.uk Subject: RE:..3 AM PHONE CALL Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:50:23 • ITS 3AM IN THE MORNING THE PHONE RINGS IN THE STATE HOUSE AND A CRITICAL DECISION HAS TO BE MADE INSTANTLY WHO DO YOU TRUST TO PICK THAT PHONE
1) MUGABE.....who will instantly make a decision there and there or
2) TSVANGIRAI who will pick the phone and after failing to make a decision will either....
a) phone a friend
b) ask the audience
c) go 50/50....guess work to be precise
THE DECISION IS YOURS
Weganda • n/a Subject: Tsvangirai Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:58:38 • Morgan Tsvangirai is like a mad man who is trying to drive a bus full of passengers and yet he does not have a licence. He will drive us to a cliff with our eyes open and it will be too late to jump out. He should put his signature down as a matter of urgency and let the children of Zimbabwe move forward with their lives. Hatidi kuti hupenyu hwedu humire nokuda kwemunhu anokara.
Mukono • bec_dre1@yahoo.co.uk Subject: Power Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:25:28 • We can all argue and opinionate on Zanu and MDC T.
The will of the people was expressed on 39 March 2008. Victory was stolen from Tsvangirai by ZEC with help of CIOs. {Fact}
Those recount which were done were a mere smoke screen to cover up the rigging which was being done in the background to the presidential elections! One month it took them to rig! {fact}
Its a hard pill to swallow that Zimbabweans have been robbed in pure daylight.
We can slag off MT all we want but Zimbos still voted for him in large numbers!!!!
It is very hard to make sticking decisions when you are dealing with the devil because he has the power to control manipulate the status quo as he wishes!
But there is one thing Zanu and its cronies cannot manipulate, the state of the economy! Slash zerosa evrey 6 months every year but they will still keep coming back! Coz that is a fact, we in the shit!
Love it or hate but that the plain truth!
n/a • n/a Subject: Executive Powers-It's the constitution. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:00:12 • It's funny that the MDC is calling for executive powers to be transferred to them. They do not learn from their mistakes. Executive powers derive from the constitution and the constitution prescribes that executive powers should be attained via national elections which the MDC boycotted. Mugabe cannot go about dishing out these powers because by doing so he will be in breach of the supreme law of the country.
The MDC should just learn to interprete the constitution correctly. Their ally Madhuku, a constitutional lawyer, is always available to provide good legal/constitutional advice but his advice falls on deaf ears. Before Tsvangirai pulled out of the run-off Madhuku advised him that it will be a nullity and even their political rival Zanu PF was at pains to educate them that a pull out was too late and would be a nullity.
To make matters worse Tendai Biti, the so called MDC number 2 is a lawyer though not a constitutional one. Surely he should know and have connections with constitutional lawyers to consult with. The million dollar question is WHY is the MDC ignoring and trashing the laws of the country when they have all the legal experts at their disposal? Its either MDC's legal consultants are severely ignorant of the laws of the country to the extend of misleading the party.
This is highly unlikely because I know their legal advisors as professional people who know what they are doing. A second and probably more realistic possibility is that an outside powerful force to whom MDC is heavily indebted is interferring and calling the shots which reduces them to order takers as opposed to decision makers. If this school of thought is true then does it auger well for a democratic movement and a progressive copuntry.
It is clear that what the MDC is calling for is a complete transfer of power as opposed to power sharing. In this regards MDC-T are better advised to pull out of the talks completely because Mugabe does not have the power to do such a transfer as he will be breaching the constitution. This is the legal basis of Zanu PF's assertion that the Presidency is non-negotiable. Its the constitution STUPID.
MDC must admit that they pussyfooted on the legal issues and now they are paying heavily for that. They must learn to consult before boycotting. Claiming executive powers at this juncture is not possible UNLESS Mugabe calls for another presidential election, which is highly unlikely.
Lastly fellow Zimbabweans lets be wary of those people claiming sophistication simply because they are educated. Lets take heed of Ngugi wa Thiong'o's advice that ‘’Intellectual slavery masquerading as sophistication is the worst form of slavery’’.
I rest my case.
rudo • n/a Subject: TONGAI Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:07:48 • Zanu ngaitonge tione, people you r just saying all thisfolks in Gwanda are living on wild fruits because Nkomo just signed if he had took his time like Tsvangirai is doing Zimbabwe would not be in the position it is right now, Ndebele people you are being fooled by Mutambara watch him, Tsvangirai must not sign on the conditions given now, kana asina basa TONGAI TIONE, no food in Zimba, no drinking water, no electricity, no fuel, no nothing sure TONGAI TIONE, vanhu chokwadi munochiziva, you really know when we last had all these resources unless tikagadzirisa people will ontinue to suffer except a few Zanu officials, Tsvangirai's family and all around him are okay its for the people of Zimbabwe, ndaenda ini
Nzwalababuya • Nzwalababuya@yahoo.co.uk Subject: My prayers to Zim Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:20:20 • I pray day and night for Zim to find a permanent solution to the political stand off between Zanu PF and MDC. God help bring peace in the land of Zimbabbwe! Oh father, hear our cry, help us bury the differences and have long lasting peace and harmony!!
zwalaz
Jairos Tapfuma • cdetapfuma@yahoo.com Subject: Power on silver paltter? Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:19:27 • Then why did both Zanu-PF and the MDC-T agree to a run-off when the latter knew that he wants power on a silver platter? Please people have waited enough.
n/a • n/a Subject: n/a Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:57:33 • I have said it before and I am saying it again, END THESE TALKS AND END THEM NOW! Zanu(PF) does not really need the MDC-T that much bcoz it is nothing but just a tool of the west. Even if he (MT)were to sign the agreement which the West thinks is not in their interests, sanctions will just be left in place under one guise or another.It is not about their love for black Zimbos that these sanctions are in place but to show us that white people are superior and should not be challenged wherever it is they may wish to dwell. The natives have to toe whiteys line otherwise blacky would be made to suffer is their reasoning and hence the role of Judas Iscariot (MT). If given executive powers this idiot would have happily given Gary Glitter an invite to dwell in Zim to the detriment of our children. Why? Coz the idiot is a complete no-brainer! So lets not delude ourselves into thinking that this ignoramus holds the keys to a prosperous Zim that is sanctions free and democratic. Outwardly it will be democratic in name only but with all trappings of enslavement and discrimination enforced upon us thru an array of laws and policies designed to put us under the whiteman's boot. No, NEVER! This idiot is just a sugarcoated pill being used by the murderous West to justify their illegal sanctions on Zimbos in a bid to effect regime change that would enable them to loot our resources. It is a pity that in our midst we have ''Brazilian clocks'' like Omuhle who are quite adept at echoing their master's voice. I dont think he is truly a black Zimbo by birth. Seems there are signs of a paid alien running the whiteman's anti-Zim agenda on this site. We see a lot of these from Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda giving their pennies worth of opinion on Zimbabwe. Like Mwanawafa, may the good lord take care of them all and let their rotten souls forever fry in Hades.
n/a • n/a Subject: Cde Patapata Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:04:11 • Let the name STICK. It is deserved. We all know the milage that one can get out of a Bata flip-flop. Giving Cde. Patapata the reigns of power is akin to wearing a complete dinner suit to a wedding but instead of putting shoes one proceeds to wear Bata thong sandals. Bad fashion sense and bad for one's feet-the plastic straps are not that durable!!!!!!!!!!Lol
n/a • n/a Subject: who's fooling who Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:45:21 • It's interesting to see just how quick we are to judge . People say Tsvangison has no mind of his own coz he consults with Odinga, WHY DID NO ONE SAY ANYTHING WHEN BOB WAS CONSULTING WITH SMITH SHORTLY AFTER INDEPENDENCE
What we deserve • N/A Subject: N/a Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:06:11 • As Zimbabweans, we get what we deserve. We voted these leaders, and they are all using our votes as negotiating tools. We voted for Tsvangirai, we deserve whatever he decides. We voted for Mugabe, we deserve whatever he decides. Mugabe wants all the powers, so that like Chombo, he can fire all MDC ministers and take us to the same position we are now (Zanu in control). Tsvangirai wants some of the powers, and is not ready to sign the document until he gets them. We voted for him, we deserve all the consequences associated. As the situation stands now, the two leaders are like oil and water, Jabulani Sibanda has already started saying what he knows best. lets all agree that talks have failed and move on. Another opportunity will come in due course. Right now Zanu PF and the other Zanu Mutambara should form a government and try to save us. We will see, if they succeed, we give them our vote in 2013. If not, we continue with MDC-T. Simple
N/A • N/A Subject: ACHASAINA Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:39:38 • It would be suicide for Tsvangirai to rush and just sign. Akadya mari dzevarungu dzakawanda. So he is pretending that he is playing hard so that if at some point in future he signs, they will say well he had no option. Zimbabweans should not worry. Tsvangirai will sign, but he has to show those who have been handling him that he is being being hard not just giving in to BOB who happens to be his hero. I know the man's psychology. I politics-that all. Mark My words.
OBSERVER • N/A Subject: TRU Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:37:04 • I JUST THOUGHT THIS ARTICLE BY MDELELWA SHOULD BE ON TOP AGAIN.
Cde Patapata (thong sandal/flip flop) is at it again.
Patapata's handbrack type U-turns are becoming legendary.
Fist he walks towards Mozambique to join the liberation war and on the way suddenly thinks of his many siblings back home and he turns his back on the struggle to go and mine nickel under hazardious conditions for his white bosses in Mashaba.
Then independence comes and he becomes an ardent Mugabe loyalist. Then the donors bring in their money bags then wham bam he is a hardline Mugabe critic. then he tells the world mugabe is a murderer who deserves to be tried but next says the Mugabe as founding father of the nation must be given an honourable exit and then pledges no negotiation with Mugabe and then the next day he negotiates and the tells us that a deal is possible, a deal is a must. He then twists again and says a deal is not all that neccesary as long as it does not give himself all the power deaclaring better no deal than a bad deal.Meanwhile, ZIMBABWEAN'S ARE DYING FROM SANCTIONS HE CALLED FOR ON HIS OWN COUNTRY AND SUPPOTERS.
Surely Cde. Patapata is swiftly becoming a comical figure.
I bet even that old dear Chief Jeremiah Chirau and his Zupo team would have handled himself with more decency and common sense than Patapata and his company in the MDC-Patapata.
If this was not about a country and real suffering people, I would be spliting my sides with laughter. unfortunately his political criminality is no laughing matter,
He is making decisions on the hoof like a village headman. Maybe that is what suits him-village politcs. I can visualize him in my village under the big mopane tree on a Saturday morning addressing a village development meeting as a stern no-nonsense village elder who knows it all because he has worked for the baas in the mines for a long time.
BUT JUST TO ADD THAT HE PATAPATAD AGAIN THIS THURSDAY AFTER GETTING ADVISE FROM THE MURDEROUS ODINGA, SUDDENLY HE DOSENT WANT PARLIAMENT TO RECONVENE ANYMORE, SOMETHING WHICH HE SAID HE NO PROBLEM WITH 2DAYS AGO
IF PEOPLE LIKE OMUHLE REALLY WANT THIS GUY TO GOVERN ZIMBABWE THEN THERE IS ONLY ONE CONCLUSION THEY THINK ALIKE. GUYS THIS IS UNDEFENDALE.
LET ME BORROW FROM CLINTON,S CAMPAIGN,JUST IMAGINE PRESIDENT TSVANGIRAI GETTING A PHONE CALL 3AM WITH A CRITICAL DECISION TO MAKE.
ONE THING IS OBVIOUS THE MAN CANT MAKE DECISIONS FOR HIMSELF SO WILL HE 4N KHAMA.OR ODINGA, WADE..MAYBE TONY LEON.
Omuhle • n/a Subject: n/a Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:51:33 • All these comments come out of a certain office in Harare where they re churning out propaganda day and night to counter what they know is the unstoppable tide of democratic revolution. Just like Muzorewa sold out by signing an agreement with Smith, so will Mutambara sign one with Mugabe and be made prime minister. Just like Smith refused to accept the bite of the Beira blockade and sanctions or the reality that ZANLA/ZIPRA fighters were in control of most of the country, so has Mugabe refused to accept the economy is shot to pieces, there is no money generation and his ministers are responsible for the stealing that took place. Just as Smith said a black man will not rule Rhodesia in a thousand years, so did Mugabe say the very same about Tsvangirayi. Just as South Africa under Vorster was the reason that Smith's govt didn't collapse sooner by offering them fuel and smuggling food in exchange for tobacco through John Bredenkamp, so again is South Africa under Thabo Mbeki the reason Zimbabwe staggers on by receiving electricity from Eskom and using Gono to raid offshore accounts of people who fell foul of the authorities.
Just as Smith finally accepted he had lost the country and sat at the Lancaster House talks to accept elections with universal suffrage (that means one man one vote, not the nonsense of registering and proving you own a house or your sabhuku knows you and can vouch for you, it means you just need an ID card to cast your vote, where ever in Zim you may be) so has Mugabe accepted the victory he got in June is meaningless and he needs to sit down with Tsvangirayi.
Just as bitter and yet powerless the whites were upon losing Rhodesia but as welcoming as we were to them after independence in living with them in harmony, so shall ZANU PF heavyweights be bitter about what they have lost and we shall accept them in the New Republic, irregardless.
You see, there is a cycle to events in our country. All you have to do is realise which event is about to be repeated. Did Smith finally overcome the ZANLA/ZIPRA armies? Did the people ever turn around and say they want Smith and not Mugabe/Nkomo? Did Peter Wells and his Selous Scouts ever win against Tongogara and Lookout?
Did Muzorewa ever repair his image as a traitor and sellout at a time when the Smith regime was looking to divide and rule us?
Is it not fact that Smith left govt willingly and even lived his life in Gwenoro, outside Shurugwi? Is it not fact that Peter Wells accepted a role as head of the army for some time? Is it not fact that at the end of the day the people spoke and their voices were heard?
So which side are you on? If you want more examples of the cycles of events, find me at Omuhle@yahoo.co.uk
Gogo Agnes • na. Subject: BRING IN THE CLOWNS... Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:41:54 • Mdelelwa,
your profile on a certain individual deserves to be a free-standing article on its own.
Your humour is hilarious at a time when we need to be able to smile - you did it for me..
I also agree on Mutumbara - he has GREAT potential.
samas • n/a Subject: n/a Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:35:29 • Tongai tione.
N/A • N/A Subject: POWER WE FAILED TO GET Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:31:15 • Yes Mr Tsvangirai want power which he failed to get from the Electorate. Zvaari mashura. Lets leave him and carry on.
He is Africa trotting so that when he signs, he will say I was advised by Odinga and Khama to sign. Remember he does not have his own mind.
CLARABELLA, MANCHESTER • na. Subject: WE ARE THE FAIRER SEX Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:18:33 • Oooooooooooh!
I do like the idea of a SHE Prime Minister!
When is the closing date?
Please send me an application form.
n/a • n/a Subject: Talks Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:06:49 • I am writing as an Independent analyst and not as Zanu / MDC bcoz and I don't belong to any of these. I trust only God for the salvation of my country. God is preparing great and mighty things for our country; continue to PRAY HARD saints. My contribution is: Who is violating the MoU?. MDC and Zanu must first and foremost realise the seriousness of that agreement. Its a document for the people of Zimbabwe; represented by their leaders. God witnessed the signing of it and therefore anyone must be really hesitant of violating it in the eyes of all people. One clause says parties must refrain from discussing the details of the talks thru the Media. We all know the whole world is focussing on Zim. Negotiating thru the media shld thus not open doors. Mbeki himself as SADC chair and facilitator is the one who said parliament can be convened to allow the peoples' power as expressed on 29th of March to take effect. If someone has something against this, then they must inform the facilitator and never do this thru the media. So to say Zanu is violating the MoU should be a case addressed to the facilitator. I urge all parties to take these negotiations serious. They must realise the urgency. Our country cannot stand for long without a government. So all differences must be resolved. The will of the people must be the guiding principle and never the will of the leaders. Continue to pray saints, VICTORY is certain.
mdelelwa • mdelelwa1@yahoo.co.uk Subject: mdc Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:00:00 • Cde Patapata (thong sandal/flip flop) is at it again.
Patapata's handbrack type U-turns are becoming legendary.
Fist he walks towards Mozambique to join the liberation war and on the way suddenly thinks of his many siblings back home and he turns his back on the struggle to go and mine nickel under hazardious conditions for his white bosses in Mashaba.
Then independence comes and he becomes an ardent Mugabe loyalist. Then the donors bring in their money bags then wham bam he is a hardline Mugabe critic. then he tells the world mugabe is a murderer who deserves to be tried but next says the Mugabe as founding father of the nation must be given an honourable exit and then pledges no negotiation with Mugabe and then the next day he negotiates and the tells us that a deal is possible, a deal is a must. He then twists again and says a deal is not all that neccesary as long as it does not give himself all the power deaclaring better no deal than a bad deal.Meanwhile, ZIMBABWEAN'S ARE DYING FROM SANCTIONS HE CALLED FOR ON HIS OWN COUNTRY AND SUPPOTERS.
Surely Cde. Patapata is swiftly becoming a comical figure.
I bet even that old dear Chief Jeremiah Chirau and his Zupo team would have handled himself with more decency and common sense than Patapata and his company in the MDC-Patapata.
If this was not about a country and real suffering people, I would be spliting my sides with laughter. unfortunately his political criminality is no laughing matter,
He is making decisions on the hoof like a village headman. Maybe that is what suits him-village politcs. I can visualize him in my village under the big mopane tree on a Saturday morning addressing a village development meeting as a stern no-nonsense village elder who knows it all because he has worked for the baas in the mines for a long time.
nyamuziwa • nyamuziwa@yahoo.com Subject: Tsavangirai is not a capable leader Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:52:17 • Tsvangirai is the stumbling block in Zimbabwe.He does not have his own decisions as he consult so many people like Odinga.Surely what can he learn from OdingaIts a shame these politicians are really puppets of the West.I think the Mutambara faction is better than Tsvangirai.In my entire life handisati ndaona leader anodaidzira sanctions kuvanhu vake like Tsvangiari naOdingaUkashora opposition muZimbabwe unonzi uri veZanu but lets say facts.Tsvangirai akapa Mugabe presidency ega zvake.Taneta ndiTsvangirai rega kushandiswa zvakapusa mhani
Omugabe • Dziva@sanandresano.com Subject: Look Inward & Look East for Self-development, Zim Patriots! Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:49:27 • ZANU-PF should work with Mutambara if he redeems himself, and then move on.
Those who are Mentally Deluded by Colonialists (MDC) are dreamers.
Zim Patriots cannot turn over the country to self-hating traitors, who will use evil Europeans to sabotage African progress.
ZANU-PF should convene Parliament and move on.
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