PM Tsvangirai in no show at rally

Thupeyo Muleya
PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai yesterday snubbed his supporters in Beitbridge after he failed to show up for a star rally at Dulibadzimu bus terminus which he was set to address together with national chairman Lovemore
Moyo and national executive member Theresa Makone.
It is understood that Mr Tsvangirai was also set to introduce local candidates who will represent his party during the forthcoming harmonised   elections.
He also failed to meet with the provincial party executive about the state of the party in Beitbridge district at White Lodge.
Several supporters were seen wandering at the lodge while Mr Tsvangirai was already on his way to Harare.
The rally flopped and was attended by less than 350 people most of them touts, travellers and a few MDC-T supporters.
Most of those who attended the rally were rewarded with free T-shirts and copies of the Zimbabwean newspaper. Some party supporters who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were unhappy with their leader’s unpleasant gesture.
“We were looking forward to his address and had gone out of our way to mobilise people and this is what we get from our leader. It appears he doesn’t want to associate with people from this area,” said a disgruntled party member.
The party’s national chairman Mr Lovemore Moyo was then tasked with addressing the gathering when it became apparent that Mr Tsvangirai was not interested in meeting his supporters.
In his address, Mr Moyo said the premier had been held up with other pressing matters hence he could not attend the rally.
Mr Moyo said they would arrange another rally where the MDC-T leader would launch his presidential campaign.
“The prime minster had to attend to some pressing matters elsewhere hence I have been tasked to carry out the task of introducing to you our candidates who will be representing the party during the harmonised elections.
“We would have loved to have him around, however, he has promised that he will hold one of his presidential campaign rallies in Beitbridge District,” said Mr Moyo.
Those representing the MDC-T in the National assembly elections are Morgan Ncube and Moffat Ndou. Ncube is squaring off with Co-Home Affairs Minister Cde Kembo Mohadi in Beitbridge East constituency, while businessman Mr Moffat Ndou will be contesting for the Beitbridge West constituency with Zanu-PF’s Cde Metrine Mudau.
The premier’s spokesman Mr Luke Tamborinyoka yesterday said that the rally was not part of his boss’ visit to Beitbridge.
“The Prime Minister was in Beitbridge on private business and the Matabeleland South executive wanted to take advantage of his presence and organise a rally for him. They did not even include his office. He held his private meetings and left in the morning,” said Mr Tamborinyoka
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