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Masvingo throws out Zanu PF
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
July 12, 2011

Zanu PF must stop using the poor civil servants' salaries as a political tool to shore up its disappearing fortunes, says President Tsvangirai. Salaries and benefits must address the pressing needs of all the workers and their families. Politicians should never gamble with people's salaries by dangling the issue of their welfare to score insincere points, he told an MDC peace rally at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo on Sunday.

The reality is that civil servants deserve a better life after 30 years of Zanu PF abuse and starvation wages and near slave labour conditions of service. Those caught in the hyper-inflationary environment, authored by Zanu PF, have had their entire savings and pensions wiped out overnight.

Yet Zanu PF, instead of proffering a public apology to millions whose livelihoods it destroyed for nearly three decades, the party wants to portray itself a champion of workers' rights and workers' concerns. The insistence on Finance Minister Tendai Biti to simply raise the salaries when the reality shows that Zimbabwe is stone broke was both irresponsible and an act of cheap propaganda designed to turn the people against the MDC.

"But the truth is that government has no money to do so. However, as government we should look at where we can get the money and we are committed to do that," he said. "Don't doubt our commitment. We will address that issue," he said saluting the civil servants for their dedication under difficult conditions over the past 10 years.

President Tsvangirai said it was the duty of the government to ensure that the "super patriots" - a term he used in describing the patriotism shown by the civil servants - are taken care of properly. He said there was a discord in the operations of the inclusive government with Zanu PF throwing spanners into the system in order to frustrate the operations of the coalition government and call for elections.

"For the last six months there has been fighting in the inclusive government and calls for elections by Zanu PF. This has resulted in the decline of foreign investors. "We can't have growth in the country when there is no investment, no production at the farms and companies," he said.

He gave the example of the recent arrests of the MDC Deputy Treasurer General and Energy and Power Development Minister Hon. Elton Mangoma and that of Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Hon. Jameson Timba.

"These are some of the problems that are affecting the operations of the inclusive government. However, we are going to ensure that the country does not slide back to 2008," he said.

President Tsvangirai said as the Prime Minister and head of government, he was going to ensure that the gains that the country managed to achieve since the formation of the inclusive government are maintained. "We have to make certain that schools and hospitals remain open and functional. We have not arrived and people should continue fighting for their rights. People should be at the forefront of the struggle not only Morgan Tsvangirai," he said.

Three ministries, the Media, Information and Publicity, Justice and Legal Affairs and Home Affairs were mentioned as involved in suppressing the will of the people.

"The Information ministry through the state media is promoting hate speech while the Justice ministry is being used to prosecute ministers that it is supposed to protect. (Johannes) Tomana is a square peg in a round hole. On Home Affairs, I am not against the police but on the actions of one person who continues to cling to power.

"I don't hate police officers but if some of them like the rest of the police force were professional then there will be peace and stability in the country," he said.

President Tsvangirai urged the people to be registered voters ahead of the coming elections. "Above all we should make sure that elections are done in a free and fair manner with no violence. A winner is a winner. As MDC we are committed to real change in the country," said President Tsvangirai.

At the same rally, MDC Secretary General Hon. Biti said Zanu PF was now left with only one friend - violence. "It has one Bible - killing. But the people of Zimbabwe are making a statement. They are making a statement for real change and good governance," he said. Hon. Biti said because of Zanu PF's violent behaviour, the country was facing a developmental challenge as investors were shunning the country.

"Zimbabwe has been at a pause since 1980. How can we say we are liberated when we have no jobs, no vibrant economy and no healthcare access?" he said.

Women's Assembly chairperson, Hon. Theresa Makone said what Jabulani Sibanda was doing in threatening villagers in Masvingo province would only cause further divisions in Zanu PF than increasing its membership. She challenged Brigadier General Douglas Nyikayaramba to remove his army uniform and join politics.

"The army should be there to protect the country from outside forces not harassing innocent civilians. Zanu PF is a spoiler. Civil servants are not getting their salaries because Zanu PF is looting diamonds," she said.

MDC Youth Assembly Deputy Chairperson, Costa Machingauta said the Youth Assembly was not going sit and watch when parents were being forced to attend Jabulani Sibanda's meetings.

The peace rally was attended several senior MDC officials who included the Deputy National Chairperson, Hon. Morgen Komichi, Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Tapiwa Mashakada, Deputy Treasurer General, Hon. Mangoma, the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Nelson Chamisa and his deputy Hon. Abdenico Bhebhe, the spokesperson, Hon. Douglas Mwonzora.

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