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Susan Tsvangirai was a mother of our struggle
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
March 07, 2009

The late Susan Nyaradzo Tsvangirai was a mother not only to the Tsvangirai family, but also to the party and the nation.

Addressing a press conference soon after a national executive meeting in Harare today, MDC Secretary-General and Minister of Finance Hon Tendai Biti said the late Mrs Tsvangirai was a pillar of strength to the Prime Minister and to the broad membership of the MDC.

"She was a pillar of strength. The decisions the party took sometimes had the refining wisdom that came from Mrs Tsvangirai," said Hon Biti.

Mrs Tsvangirai died in a horrific car accident in Beatrice in which the Prime Minister and MDC President escaped with injuries. He is in a stable condition and is recovering at Avenues Clinic in Harare.

"She was always there for the President and for the party. The accident took place within a context of joy and celebration. The MDC President celebrates his 57th birthday on Tuesday," said Hon Biti.

"She was a people's hero. She was a mother to us and to our struggle."

The MDC Secretary-general, who broke down several times during the press conference, said the accident could have been avoided if police escort had been provided.

"Logic would have demanded that police escort be provided to the Prime Minister to warn other traffic and this tragedy could have been avoided."

Hon Biti said police investigations were underway but stressed that the party would carry out an independent investigation into the cause of the accident. The party will be making further announcements on this matter in due course, he said.

Mrs Tsvangirai has stood side by side with the MDC Presiden since their marriage in 1976. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Hon Biti said the Prime Minister was in a stable condition. He said the late Mrs Tsvangirai had stood side by side with her husband throughout his various ordeals, including the treason charges and the brutal assault of 11 March 2007.

The MDC is working with the Tsvangirai family to give Mrs Tsvangirai a befitting send-off. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course as some of her children are outside the country.

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