Mduduzi Mathuthu

Mduduzi is the New Zimbabwe.com editor. His interests include, but are not limited to, a complete devotion to his beloved Arsenal Football Club. He distrusts all politicians and believes the majority is not always right.

Speaking himself into trouble

By Mduduzi MathuthuPolitics Last updated on: February 12, 2009
333 CommentsComment on this article
RECKLESS: Morgan Tsvangirai peppered inauguration speech with promises

RECKLESS: Morgan Tsvangirai peppered inauguration speech with promises

 

YOU can bet on many things, but one sure winner is that Morgan Tsvangirai will make a promise he cannot deliver on.

 

In the last year alone, he has issued ultimatums against Robert Mugabe and made declarations only to backpedal furiously when the veteran leader and his minions called his bluff.

 

Now that he is Prime Minister, Tsvangirai may want to pause a little and consider the things he says, and the promises he makes, because the consequences are now doubly serious.

 

Listening to his inauguration speech on Wednesday, I was struck by the recklessness of his pledges, and his failure to stick to his script which his advisers would have without doubt spent dozens of hours combing through to ensure its accuracy.

 

But once Tsvangirai took to that rostrum, it felt like Robin Hood had just arrived in Mbare – randomly dishing out goodies to all who can say his name. The trouble, of course, is that government does not work like that.

 

I will not address his promise to pay all civil servants in foreign currency by month-end, others have already done so, and will continue to do so for weeks to come.

 

But I just wonder how he managed to veer off his script and end up making a promise which clearly is beyond his capacity to deliver.

 

“It hurts that as we celebrate here today, there are some who are in prison,” Tsvangirai said towards the end of his address. “I can assure you that they are not going to remain in those dungeons any day or any week longer.”

 

Really? Since when has the Prime Minister become the Supreme Court and the Director of Prisons? For he certainly is not Michael Scofield! Can he really be sure he can spring Jestina Mukoko free from jail within hours?

 

Now, what should be particularly painful to Tsvangirai’s advisers and the men and women who prepared his speech is that they had found the correct terminology to address the problem. Their text was legally upright, because these are prisoners, and fit to come out of the mouth of a Prime Minister, not an opposition leader.

 

In the prepared speech, available here, Tsvangirai should have said: “As I stand before you, more than 30 innocent people continue to languish in jail months after being abducted and illegally detained.

 

“While I will not interfere in the judicial process, I will make it a priority to ensure that the law is upheld and that the justice system deals with their cases in a fair, equitable and transparent manner in the shortest possible time frame.”

 

The difference between what he was prepared to say and what he ended up saying is just plainly unacceptable, not least because it’s a promise he cannot deliver on for obvious reasons.

 

Even when he said what he said, he could have mitigated the damage by sticking closer to the prepared script. After declaring “… they are not going to remain in those dungeons any day or any week longer”, he could have added “than is necessary”, thereby freeing himself from a tight deadline which his words have effectively set.

 

The problems ahead for our new Prime Minister are just gargantuan, and he certainly doesn’t need me or anyone else doing this. But he can make his troubles less so by sticking to the script and working with others to achieve certain ends, without the grandstanding synonymous with opposition politics.

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Tags: inauguration, inauguration speech, jestina mukoko, michael scofield, Morgan Tsvangirai, prime minister, prison break, promises, Robert Mugabe, supreme court, Zimbabwe
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  • Chidembo

    This new primeminister got too excited and went over board.What will he say if his promises are not fullfilled? Allways under promise and overdeliver,in thatway you are covered,but now he has already over promised and people will expect delivery, i am sorry for the tea boy,sorry the primeteaboy (aka)primeminister.
    The speach was well crafted but got some flaws due to carelessness.

  • Mfazo3

    immediately after 15 seotember agreement Tsvangison came out on etv news proclaiming that the GNU will work come thunder come rain. He said if it fails he should take all the blame because he now has all the necessary power to make it work !! Yo? 5 MONTHS DOWN THE LINE, 3000 people are dead because of cholera, the country is worse than ever! Tell him to watch his proclamations and tread with care, especially now. Wasn’t he the one who said people will vote on june 27 no matter how brutalised they are? Didn’t he proclaim that he will quit the GNU talks by 1 january 2009 it the abductees are not released? Where are we now on the issue – it’s days or weeks from now? The only think that this guy has managed to proclaim to fruition was about the escalation of our suffering ! Anyway like one righter say, he is inexperienced and will be on a very steep learning curve from now on. The problem with learning on the job is that the consequences have direct effect on the lives of the people. We pray that Tsvangison learns his cool and allow his advisers to have a big role in his declarations, as well as pray that the hint of tribal bias he has be slowly eroded by a responsibility and realisation that now he is a statesman and now he has to serve even that poor old woman who knows no Shona and is petched in her hut deep in the midst of chronically impoverished matebeland north.

  • Mfazo3

    immediately after 15 seotember agreement Tsvangison came out on etv news proclaiming that the GNU will work come thunder come rain. He said if it fails he should take all the blame because he now has all the necessary power to make it work !! Yo? 5 MONTHS DOWN THE LINE, 3000 people are dead because of cholera, the country is worse than ever! Tell him to watch his proclamations and tread with care, especially now. Wasn’t he the one who said people will vote on june 27 no matter how brutalised they are? Didn’t he proclaim that he will quit the GNU talks by 1 january 2009 it the abductees are not released? Where are we now on the issue – it’s days or weeks from now? The only think that this guy has managed to proclaim to fruition was about the escalation of our suffering ! Anyway like one righter say, he is inexperienced and will be on a very steep learning curve from now on. The problem with learning on the job is that the consequences have direct effect on the lives of the people. We pray that Tsvangison learns his cool and allow his advisers to have a big role in his declarations, as well as pray that the hint of tribal bias he has be slowly eroded by a responsibility and realisation that now he is a statesman and now he has to serve even that poor old woman who knows no Shona and is petched in her hut deep in the midst of chronically impoverished matebeland north.

  • http://hotmail.com SOBOPHLA MANYOSI

    Good piece of journalism .Befaore I read comments I knew I was going to be confronted by the likes of Petinah GAPAH who when one criticises Tsvangirai he is labelled a tribalist or zanu supporter.This is exactly what makes Zimbabwe one of the shitiest countries in the world in terms of everything.They support leaders blindly.At one moment they supported Mugabe when he was getting rid of Good finance people like David Smith replacing them with one Chidzero yet it was just a way of putting a black face for them to steal money from stste coffers.Well written .Personally I would reply to say this is not the Peoples Voice for ZANU or The Zimbabwean fpr MDCT but a Zimbabwean newspaper with mentally balanced and professional people .Batshele…..Rova ngoma sengoma panyaya dze Journalism urikugona shamwari

  • http://hotmail.com SOBOPHLA MANYOSI

    Good piece of journalism .Befaore I read comments I knew I was going to be confronted by the likes of Petinah GAPAH who when one criticises Tsvangirai he is labelled a tribalist or zanu supporter.This is exactly what makes Zimbabwe one of the shitiest countries in the world in terms of everything.They support leaders blindly.At one moment they supported Mugabe when he was getting rid of Good finance people like David Smith replacing them with one Chidzero yet it was just a way of putting a black face for them to steal money from stste coffers.Well written .Personally I would reply to say this is not the Peoples Voice for ZANU or The Zimbabwean fpr MDCT but a Zimbabwean newspaper with mentally balanced and professional people .Batshele…..Rova ngoma sengoma panyaya dze Journalism urikugona shamwari

  • Son of the soil

    Pfavirayi goma husiku hurefu vakuru vakataura vakange vaona. We do not want empty promises, like Bryne said now that we have two clowns to deal with HAMHENO. cry the beloved country.In 1980 80% of maZimba use to say Mugabe was always right,Now this is 2009 70% maZimba are saying Morgan is right .we are falling in the same trap.Let us learn from our mistakes and give room to criticism that is the only way forward.NOT ONE STEP FORWARD AND TWO STEPS BACK haishande.

  • Son of the soil

    Pfavirayi goma husiku hurefu vakuru vakataura vakange vaona. We do not want empty promises, like Bryne said now that we have two clowns to deal with HAMHENO. cry the beloved country.In 1980 80% of maZimba use to say Mugabe was always right,Now this is 2009 70% maZimba are saying Morgan is right .we are falling in the same trap.Let us learn from our mistakes and give room to criticism that is the only way forward.NOT ONE STEP FORWARD AND TWO STEPS BACK haishande.

  • gandanga

    Well Tsvangirai doesnt have to be the minister of justice, supreme court/director of prisons to say that political prisoners who were illegally detained, abducted and tortured shall not spend a day longer in Jail. Remember these people are not criminal they are political prisoners on trumped up charges. He has given himself approximately a week to see if the goodwill from the formation of the unity government will see the trumped up charges being thrown out. Your obvious bias is in your acceptance that these detainees are criminals …legally detained which they are not they are captives.

  • gandanga

    Well Tsvangirai doesnt have to be the minister of justice, supreme court/director of prisons to say that political prisoners who were illegally detained, abducted and tortured shall not spend a day longer in Jail. Remember these people are not criminal they are political prisoners on trumped up charges. He has given himself approximately a week to see if the goodwill from the formation of the unity government will see the trumped up charges being thrown out. Your obvious bias is in your acceptance that these detainees are criminals …legally detained which they are not they are captives.

  • Alex Magaisa

    On this occasion, I take a different view, Mduduzi. Whilst I agree that words are important and care must be taken when speaking in an official capacity, could it be that, perhaps, you may have taken too literal an interpretation of Mr Tsvangirai’s words? Surely, he knows that he cannot interfere with the judicial process but one must also ask the question: is the judicial process delivering justice to these incacerated people?

    Just recently, a court threw out a bail application only because the state has itself failed to comply with the rules that require an accused to placed on remand. The plight of these people is political which sems to indicate why the judicial system has so far shied away from dealing with the critical questions appertaining to their situation.

    So perhaps when Tsvangirai said those words, could it be that he was referring not to interference with the judiciary but having the matter resolved at a political level, the genesis of their problems? Consider the case of Tendai Biti – he was pushed from one police station to another, one court to the next – later released, waited for many moons and suddenly last week the case against him was thrown out. The man could have been in jail all along, for an empty and spurious allegation! It was a political case; and any right thinking person knew it was going nowhere.

    To my mind, Tsvangirai only said what any right-thinking person would say as far as the case of the abductees is concerned. When you lift that legal veil, plainly, these people are getting a very raw deal and it would be a sad day if our politicians would suddenly be quiet in cases of such flagrant disregard of individual rights. Indeed, I would be very worried if Tsvangirai suddenly started sounding ‘too official’ and toeing the government line only because he now wears official garb. If he did so, many of those critical of him now would be the first to say ‘atokanganwa’ (he has forgotten).

  • Alex Magaisa

    On this occasion, I take a different view, Mduduzi. Whilst I agree that words are important and care must be taken when speaking in an official capacity, could it be that, perhaps, you may have taken too literal an interpretation of Mr Tsvangirai’s words? Surely, he knows that he cannot interfere with the judicial process but one must also ask the question: is the judicial process delivering justice to these incacerated people?

    Just recently, a court threw out a bail application only because the state has itself failed to comply with the rules that require an accused to placed on remand. The plight of these people is political which sems to indicate why the judicial system has so far shied away from dealing with the critical questions appertaining to their situation.

    So perhaps when Tsvangirai said those words, could it be that he was referring not to interference with the judiciary but having the matter resolved at a political level, the genesis of their problems? Consider the case of Tendai Biti – he was pushed from one police station to another, one court to the next – later released, waited for many moons and suddenly last week the case against him was thrown out. The man could have been in jail all along, for an empty and spurious allegation! It was a political case; and any right thinking person knew it was going nowhere.

    To my mind, Tsvangirai only said what any right-thinking person would say as far as the case of the abductees is concerned. When you lift that legal veil, plainly, these people are getting a very raw deal and it would be a sad day if our politicians would suddenly be quiet in cases of such flagrant disregard of individual rights. Indeed, I would be very worried if Tsvangirai suddenly started sounding ‘too official’ and toeing the government line only because he now wears official garb. If he did so, many of those critical of him now would be the first to say ‘atokanganwa’ (he has forgotten).

  • l

    I must say that your lake of understanding into the workings of higher politics and the battle ground to which the MDC has firmly acquainted itself with has misled you to write such an atrocious article. If you are not aware of this let me enlighten you at once so as to dismiss your groundless, ill informed view. The nature of politics itself embody the element of promise making and as politicians it is somewhat expected that you make certain promises which will then manifest in due course when one is elected. It is not always the case that all the promises made will be fulfilled and that is the name of the game. If you thought it possible then you are naive to think as such. I understand why Morgan made such promises to people who have been deprived of justice, human rights ect. Only a strong leader has the guts to deviate from a speech to express his heart felt desire for change within a corrupt system of government. Armature reporters such as yourself should never be allowed to transgress without being reprimanded.

  • l

    I must say that your lake of understanding into the workings of higher politics and the battle ground to which the MDC has firmly acquainted itself with has misled you to write such an atrocious article. If you are not aware of this let me enlighten you at once so as to dismiss your groundless, ill informed view. The nature of politics itself embody the element of promise making and as politicians it is somewhat expected that you make certain promises which will then manifest in due course when one is elected. It is not always the case that all the promises made will be fulfilled and that is the name of the game. If you thought it possible then you are naive to think as such. I understand why Morgan made such promises to people who have been deprived of justice, human rights ect. Only a strong leader has the guts to deviate from a speech to express his heart felt desire for change within a corrupt system of government. Armature reporters such as yourself should never be allowed to transgress without being reprimanded.

  • charles m

    while many peolpe are happy with the hope of new day and breath of fresh air.i cant help getting angry with your unnecessary scrutiny.turning this colum to be anti mdc.iam sure you one of the few who cant demacate part affairs and state.we need constructive critczim not that

  • charles m

    while many peolpe are happy with the hope of new day and breath of fresh air.i cant help getting angry with your unnecessary scrutiny.turning this colum to be anti mdc.iam sure you one of the few who cant demacate part affairs and state.we need constructive critczim not that

  • Thandanani Mpande

    First of all, consider the circumstances under which these people were detained before you poison us with your ignominous capitulation. Also remember that they are political prisoners. Normally, prisoners of that status are always incarcerated not because they have committed any criminal offence under the law but rather because they have dared challenged the regime in a formidable way. Remember the fate of Dumiso Dabengwa. He spent 4 years in jail even when the judges had ruled that he was innocent. The point is that political prisoners have nothing, in practice, to do with the Supreme court or the judiciary. Their freedom is determined in the corridors of power, exactly where there oppression originated. If indeed the detention of these guys was a legal matter, i dont think it would have been a subject of negotiations in the dialogue that led to the power sharing government. You know as much as i do that the presentation of these detainees to courts is a mere attempt by Zanu to reinforce the false pretence that they believe in the rule of law. i dont think you are the best person to teach Tsvangirai about speechifying. If there is a major concern about what Tsvangirai said, the audience will not have responded with such great approval. He is adhering to the requisites of popular rule and some of us are loving it. You have long been anathema to Tsvangirai and the MDC and as such the emptiness of your monograph does not surprise me. Your parachial mentality seems to have successfully resisted all attempts of social and ideological rehabilitation.

  • Thandanani Mpande

    First of all, consider the circumstances under which these people were detained before you poison us with your ignominous capitulation. Also remember that they are political prisoners. Normally, prisoners of that status are always incarcerated not because they have committed any criminal offence under the law but rather because they have dared challenged the regime in a formidable way. Remember the fate of Dumiso Dabengwa. He spent 4 years in jail even when the judges had ruled that he was innocent. The point is that political prisoners have nothing, in practice, to do with the Supreme court or the judiciary. Their freedom is determined in the corridors of power, exactly where there oppression originated. If indeed the detention of these guys was a legal matter, i dont think it would have been a subject of negotiations in the dialogue that led to the power sharing government. You know as much as i do that the presentation of these detainees to courts is a mere attempt by Zanu to reinforce the false pretence that they believe in the rule of law. i dont think you are the best person to teach Tsvangirai about speechifying. If there is a major concern about what Tsvangirai said, the audience will not have responded with such great approval. He is adhering to the requisites of popular rule and some of us are loving it. You have long been anathema to Tsvangirai and the MDC and as such the emptiness of your monograph does not surprise me. Your parachial mentality seems to have successfully resisted all attempts of social and ideological rehabilitation.

  • Masimba Batanai

    Mduduzi is a big boy, he can defend himself. However there might be foreigners reading this blog and getting the false sense that the majority of Zimbabweans exhibit the same foolish tribal tendencies as the people who have written in defence of Tsvangirai. Nothing could be further from the truth!

    Rather, those that are hiding behind “tribalism” as they fail to defend our PM expose their party’s intellectual inadequacy more than anything else.

    Let it be known that most of us Shonas do not associate nor tolerate this ad hominem against Mathuthu! Zimbabwe is a country of Kalangas, Manyikas, Sothos, Zezurus, Nguni, Venda, Karanga, Korekore, etc. Each and every one of us has the absolute right to speak our mind on our leaders without fear of being tribally assaulted.

  • Masimba Batanai

    Mduduzi is a big boy, he can defend himself. However there might be foreigners reading this blog and getting the false sense that the majority of Zimbabweans exhibit the same foolish tribal tendencies as the people who have written in defence of Tsvangirai. Nothing could be further from the truth!

    Rather, those that are hiding behind “tribalism” as they fail to defend our PM expose their party’s intellectual inadequacy more than anything else.

    Let it be known that most of us Shonas do not associate nor tolerate this ad hominem against Mathuthu! Zimbabwe is a country of Kalangas, Manyikas, Sothos, Zezurus, Nguni, Venda, Karanga, Korekore, etc. Each and every one of us has the absolute right to speak our mind on our leaders without fear of being tribally assaulted.

  • Mlamuli

    You are right Mduduzi , these people are just over excited over nothing! Make no mistakes Mugabe is very much in charge and their newly found saviour Morgan will be frustrated from day one. I felt seeing visuals of an overjoyed MDC crowd celebrating Tswagirai`s appointment. Some went to the extremes as comparing Morgan to Obama! Poor Souls!
    Tswangirai, despite poaching an `MP` from MDC-M only to make him a deputy minister is an insult to Ndebele electorate who are made to feel that they are born to deputise Shonas.

    Morgan and his gang of tribalists are doomed to fail.

  • Mlamuli

    You are right Mduduzi , these people are just over excited over nothing! Make no mistakes Mugabe is very much in charge and their newly found saviour Morgan will be frustrated from day one. I felt seeing visuals of an overjoyed MDC crowd celebrating Tswagirai`s appointment. Some went to the extremes as comparing Morgan to Obama! Poor Souls!
    Tswangirai, despite poaching an `MP` from MDC-M only to make him a deputy minister is an insult to Ndebele electorate who are made to feel that they are born to deputise Shonas.

    Morgan and his gang of tribalists are doomed to fail.

  • Slizzel

    MAnje Prime Minister isu ma students tiri kuuya ku harvest house coz we cannot afford the US dollar for fees needed for University fees. pakadzidza vamwe vedu vaitopihwa mari, now we have to pump out money, that will not do. Ahoy ma Comrades

  • Slizzel

    MAnje Prime Minister isu ma students tiri kuuya ku harvest house coz we cannot afford the US dollar for fees needed for University fees. pakadzidza vamwe vedu vaitopihwa mari, now we have to pump out money, that will not do. Ahoy ma Comrades

  • Porofita Guru

    I have never seen so many Zimbos engaging in discussion, this is amazing, encouraging and refreshing to know that we all have our country at heart. Let us not forget that the main issue here is the service delivery system in Zimbabwe is non-existant and has totally collapsed. Just walking around the main cities you feel depressed, helpless and sick in the stomach. One gets angry, frustrated but also one doesn’t know what to do with their anger. What has just happened has both merit and demerits. The first thing and what everyone should do is to celebrate this unity government, not because of the individuals involved but for the sake of the country. What I personally would like to see happening first is to release all the political prisoners, secondly restore the water reticulation system and provide clean water through the pipes and taps (Zvatajaira ka kwete migodhi yatakuchera mvura iyi) Zinwa must be disbanded and that service returned to local council, thirdly prepare incentives to attract back the Teachers, Doctors, Nurses back into the public sector, revive both the education and health systems, fourthly rehabilitate the road infrastructrure (Hey Nyika yaora iyi), fifth revive local industry and provide incentives for foreign investment, we need jobs (mabasa kuti mari icirculate musystem) Mari inonaka kana vanayo vakawanda, izvozvi zvakutotyisa kudya mari uri 1 unopondwa nevasina. Sixth we want a people driven constitution, taguta manje toumba mutemo, 2 terms for president or prime minister, maximum 4 years chete. 8 years pamunhu tinenge taguta naye, tochimutenda nebasa raanenge aaita.

    I think Mduduzi’s contribution is very good, we need people like that air their thoughts freely, that is the Zimbabwe we are fighting for. When we discuss ideas let us not think in terms of political affiliation but in terms of what is good for the country and the Zimbabwean people. I don’t care which political party or independent takes the presidency, as long as they are doing great work for the country, they should be supported and if they are doing bad (kumamira) they should be told straight to their face.

  • Porofita Guru

    I have never seen so many Zimbos engaging in discussion, this is amazing, encouraging and refreshing to know that we all have our country at heart. Let us not forget that the main issue here is the service delivery system in Zimbabwe is non-existant and has totally collapsed. Just walking around the main cities you feel depressed, helpless and sick in the stomach. One gets angry, frustrated but also one doesn’t know what to do with their anger. What has just happened has both merit and demerits. The first thing and what everyone should do is to celebrate this unity government, not because of the individuals involved but for the sake of the country. What I personally would like to see happening first is to release all the political prisoners, secondly restore the water reticulation system and provide clean water through the pipes and taps (Zvatajaira ka kwete migodhi yatakuchera mvura iyi) Zinwa must be disbanded and that service returned to local council, thirdly prepare incentives to attract back the Teachers, Doctors, Nurses back into the public sector, revive both the education and health systems, fourthly rehabilitate the road infrastructrure (Hey Nyika yaora iyi), fifth revive local industry and provide incentives for foreign investment, we need jobs (mabasa kuti mari icirculate musystem) Mari inonaka kana vanayo vakawanda, izvozvi zvakutotyisa kudya mari uri 1 unopondwa nevasina. Sixth we want a people driven constitution, taguta manje toumba mutemo, 2 terms for president or prime minister, maximum 4 years chete. 8 years pamunhu tinenge taguta naye, tochimutenda nebasa raanenge aaita.

    I think Mduduzi’s contribution is very good, we need people like that air their thoughts freely, that is the Zimbabwe we are fighting for. When we discuss ideas let us not think in terms of political affiliation but in terms of what is good for the country and the Zimbabwean people. I don’t care which political party or independent takes the presidency, as long as they are doing great work for the country, they should be supported and if they are doing bad (kumamira) they should be told straight to their face.

  • Tongai

    Ola

    “He distrusts all politicians and believes the majority is not always right”

    So muri kunetsanei???

  • Tongai

    Ola

    “He distrusts all politicians and believes the majority is not always right”

    So muri kunetsanei???

  • http://freemail.com slaba

    Great article mduduzi.i think now is the right to scrutunize our leader and criticize him when we fell there should be.people might say say you hurt the man the man,i would not know but i would want to see that critiscm coming.handiyo yacho here democracy?id doesnt mean if he has differing views to what the mojority hold he becomes a tribalist,zanu or whatever.i am Mdc myself and have voted for tsvangirai and i hold the view that there is nothing wrong with being a zanu supporter.we are in danger of becoming what zanu is today,because we hurt the party so much that we would like to see i wiped of the face of this earth,thereby living the mdc to govern.what the mdc wanted is the democratisation of the political field meaning we,and that is every citizen of zimbabwe should have a right to belong to a political gouping of his liking with fear of persecution.so for people to get mad because mduduzi is only doing a good jod of informing the readers of what he views as ludicrious statements by a head of state is uttgerly wrong.keep up the good work man.

  • http://freemail.com slaba

    Great article mduduzi.i think now is the right to scrutunize our leader and criticize him when we fell there should be.people might say say you hurt the man the man,i would not know but i would want to see that critiscm coming.handiyo yacho here democracy?id doesnt mean if he has differing views to what the mojority hold he becomes a tribalist,zanu or whatever.i am Mdc myself and have voted for tsvangirai and i hold the view that there is nothing wrong with being a zanu supporter.we are in danger of becoming what zanu is today,because we hurt the party so much that we would like to see i wiped of the face of this earth,thereby living the mdc to govern.what the mdc wanted is the democratisation of the political field meaning we,and that is every citizen of zimbabwe should have a right to belong to a political gouping of his liking with fear of persecution.so for people to get mad because mduduzi is only doing a good jod of informing the readers of what he views as ludicrious statements by a head of state is uttgerly wrong.keep up the good work man.

  • muponda

    Mduduzi what would u have done differently if you were in Tsvang’s shoes – remember this is politics? You appreciate that Mugabe and ZPF have done worse things. U sound like a die hard ZPF follower.

  • muponda

    Mduduzi what would u have done differently if you were in Tsvang’s shoes – remember this is politics? You appreciate that Mugabe and ZPF have done worse things. U sound like a die hard ZPF follower.

  • Masimba Mungoshi

    Zimbabweans are a shocking lot. I cant understand that people get angey with a journalist who seeks to suggest to Morgan that he should speak wisely and be politically realistic. Somebody here has said that just because people cheered then Morgan was right! Really? Didnt Zimbabweans cheer Mugabe when he was threatening other people with violence throughout the 1980′s? Was he right? Some people say to criticise Morgan is to say Zimbabweans who voted for him are stupid!! Political support is always irrational especially in Zimbabwe a country which has been sustaining a blood letting tyrant like Mugabe for so many years. Besides why would Morgan say he will pay the civil servants in forex before a cabinet meeting? Why would he say prisoners will not spend any day longer without him knowing what exactly happened? He should simply say I will do everything in my power to esnure that they are out and to ensure that people are well reneumerated. To say I will give you this and that is politically suicidal. What if you fail? It is not for me to say Zimbabweans are stupid but it is possible considering the fact that they were supporting the most murderous, selfish and irrationally leader like Mugabe cheering him on always and now that there is Morgan they dont want him to be corrected. We have a problem in Zimbabwe.

  • Masimba Mungoshi

    Zimbabweans are a shocking lot. I cant understand that people get angey with a journalist who seeks to suggest to Morgan that he should speak wisely and be politically realistic. Somebody here has said that just because people cheered then Morgan was right! Really? Didnt Zimbabweans cheer Mugabe when he was threatening other people with violence throughout the 1980′s? Was he right? Some people say to criticise Morgan is to say Zimbabweans who voted for him are stupid!! Political support is always irrational especially in Zimbabwe a country which has been sustaining a blood letting tyrant like Mugabe for so many years. Besides why would Morgan say he will pay the civil servants in forex before a cabinet meeting? Why would he say prisoners will not spend any day longer without him knowing what exactly happened? He should simply say I will do everything in my power to esnure that they are out and to ensure that people are well reneumerated. To say I will give you this and that is politically suicidal. What if you fail? It is not for me to say Zimbabweans are stupid but it is possible considering the fact that they were supporting the most murderous, selfish and irrationally leader like Mugabe cheering him on always and now that there is Morgan they dont want him to be corrected. We have a problem in Zimbabwe.

  • Laudzer

    Mduduzi in as much as you and I are entittled to our opinions I believe you go one step too far with the likes of Bright Matonga, Jonathan Moyo and some Zanu pros as I have watched most of your editions and comments on the MDC-T and compared it with the other MDC facttion.

    This recent statement does not really supprise me as a person who has been closely following your rise to fame and your move from Zim to where you are now.

    This press I mean Newzimbambabwe does not write or print anything unless Morgan Tsvangirai coughs or sneezes. If Mutambara waffles nonsense there is nothing for the press or you to comment about, If Arthur follows Morgan in the united goverment you no say nothing but if Morgan tries his best to make things better for the state and poor Zimbabweans you go out to say he is doing nothing.

    Am not against the press nor yourself I like it for Stirring up the mids of many and probably challenging the minds of those who critically analyse issues before they believe or dismiss it as utter rubbish.

    While I am one of the people that really do not believe in this united government I believe Morgan is doing his best for the nation including you and me. Look closely and study the cartoon on the internet (Mugabe and Tsvangirai sharing soup that Mugabe has unlimited access to and Tsavingirai accesses it because he uses his own initiative and thinking skills)

    About Morgan failing to deliver I say noone is perfect but we will always have someone who is better not perfect, we do not need to shut out people but to give them a chance or chances. You did well to point out his failures or misses, I hope if he gets a chance to read your article he will realise what the press thinks about that and rectifies his errors but I think there is or are many things he has done right than fail, lets have those pointed out may be in your edition for another day.

    Who would do anything better than what he has done so far? In my Zimbabwe no one, Mugabe brought all these woes to the country, MDC-M brought baseless division to the orogonal MDC now they come back with Arthur pleading for being made deputy by the very same people the ran away from.

    Morgiza ndizvo, that man needs a chance lets wait and watch, or let give Thokozani’s party a chance but they failled to impress less than a tenth of Zim population.

    LETS BE FAIR TO THE MAN.

  • Laudzer

    Mduduzi in as much as you and I are entittled to our opinions I believe you go one step too far with the likes of Bright Matonga, Jonathan Moyo and some Zanu pros as I have watched most of your editions and comments on the MDC-T and compared it with the other MDC facttion.

    This recent statement does not really supprise me as a person who has been closely following your rise to fame and your move from Zim to where you are now.

    This press I mean Newzimbambabwe does not write or print anything unless Morgan Tsvangirai coughs or sneezes. If Mutambara waffles nonsense there is nothing for the press or you to comment about, If Arthur follows Morgan in the united goverment you no say nothing but if Morgan tries his best to make things better for the state and poor Zimbabweans you go out to say he is doing nothing.

    Am not against the press nor yourself I like it for Stirring up the mids of many and probably challenging the minds of those who critically analyse issues before they believe or dismiss it as utter rubbish.

    While I am one of the people that really do not believe in this united government I believe Morgan is doing his best for the nation including you and me. Look closely and study the cartoon on the internet (Mugabe and Tsvangirai sharing soup that Mugabe has unlimited access to and Tsavingirai accesses it because he uses his own initiative and thinking skills)

    About Morgan failing to deliver I say noone is perfect but we will always have someone who is better not perfect, we do not need to shut out people but to give them a chance or chances. You did well to point out his failures or misses, I hope if he gets a chance to read your article he will realise what the press thinks about that and rectifies his errors but I think there is or are many things he has done right than fail, lets have those pointed out may be in your edition for another day.

    Who would do anything better than what he has done so far? In my Zimbabwe no one, Mugabe brought all these woes to the country, MDC-M brought baseless division to the orogonal MDC now they come back with Arthur pleading for being made deputy by the very same people the ran away from.

    Morgiza ndizvo, that man needs a chance lets wait and watch, or let give Thokozani’s party a chance but they failled to impress less than a tenth of Zim population.

    LETS BE FAIR TO THE MAN.

  • Koroka

    Yesterday’s occasion was an historic moment. It was the beginning of the fall of Mugabemania. MDC-T achieved what no other opposition party has achieved since ZANU PF came to power in 1980. Tsvangirai is a gallant son of the soil. Where were the many critics and cynics when ‘stupid and incapable’ Tsvangirai was curving a place for himself in Zimbabwe’s history? Let’s salute the man. He has overachieved and it hurts many failures who think they deserve better. Viva ‘Teaboy’!

  • Koroka

    Yesterday’s occasion was an historic moment. It was the beginning of the fall of Mugabemania. MDC-T achieved what no other opposition party has achieved since ZANU PF came to power in 1980. Tsvangirai is a gallant son of the soil. Where were the many critics and cynics when ‘stupid and incapable’ Tsvangirai was curving a place for himself in Zimbabwe’s history? Let’s salute the man. He has overachieved and it hurts many failures who think they deserve better. Viva ‘Teaboy’!

  • http://newzimbabwe.com Hove

    I also worried about our New PrimeMinister’s speech. The promises he made are they ones which will senking him. He should not have made those promises in the first place. Making promises and delivering are two different things, that he should know. However I will give benefit of the doubt probably Mr Prime Minister has a well of resources which miraclously turn abyss into blessing over a night. I want to say tis to all zimbabweans wherever you are, let us give this government a chance, it’s not going to happen by wishes but by sacrifice and commitment. The question is what is required of me and where is God in all this?The words of prophet Micah are source of encouragement to me; (Micah 6: 8) to do justice, to love, and be humble as zimbabwe opens another chapter in history for better, I hope.

  • http://newzimbabwe.com Hove

    I also worried about our New PrimeMinister’s speech. The promises he made are they ones which will senking him. He should not have made those promises in the first place. Making promises and delivering are two different things, that he should know. However I will give benefit of the doubt probably Mr Prime Minister has a well of resources which miraclously turn abyss into blessing over a night. I want to say tis to all zimbabweans wherever you are, let us give this government a chance, it’s not going to happen by wishes but by sacrifice and commitment. The question is what is required of me and where is God in all this?The words of prophet Micah are source of encouragement to me; (Micah 6: 8) to do justice, to love, and be humble as zimbabwe opens another chapter in history for better, I hope.

  • shingaldo

    In as much as i enjoy Newzimbabwe.com, your comments about Tsvangirai are just too much , u now appear as a Herald reporter, ur are exposing your biasness.

  • shingaldo

    In as much as i enjoy Newzimbabwe.com, your comments about Tsvangirai are just too much , u now appear as a Herald reporter, ur are exposing your biasness.

  • Hammer

    Mduduzi I do not think The Prime Minister as outright careless with his promises although I think he should speak in a diffrent tone as a PM not MDC President. I am sure you say he spoke himself into trouble becoz your thinking is along the lines of ZanuPF politians who never fullfil people promise. Your actually imply that the PM was reckless becoz he should have known that by joining the unity govt Zanu PF will nt let him do for the people what he is promising. However am sure he wants a new culture in politics which calls fro accountability. The most important thing is that the PM spoke what he wants to see happen and his promise is to try and make it happen. I urge you to support the New PM and say positive aspects of the new govt. and nottry to pre-empty the hardships he is going to face in trying to convince ZANUPF to implement his promises.

  • Hammer

    Mduduzi I do not think The Prime Minister as outright careless with his promises although I think he should speak in a diffrent tone as a PM not MDC President. I am sure you say he spoke himself into trouble becoz your thinking is along the lines of ZanuPF politians who never fullfil people promise. Your actually imply that the PM was reckless becoz he should have known that by joining the unity govt Zanu PF will nt let him do for the people what he is promising. However am sure he wants a new culture in politics which calls fro accountability. The most important thing is that the PM spoke what he wants to see happen and his promise is to try and make it happen. I urge you to support the New PM and say positive aspects of the new govt. and nottry to pre-empty the hardships he is going to face in trying to convince ZANUPF to implement his promises.

  • http://Gmail Mabwe Tinetariro

    It is the right thing that from day one we should be listening carefully to those politicians’ speeches and judge what they say to see if they will deliver on their promises. With Mugabe we were too slow; for too long we were mesmerised by Mugabe’s speeches at state events and international conferences. Now Zimbabwe needs to feed itself and develop; we no longer want empty speeches that do not bring food to the table.

  • Madam Boss

    Mathuthu, kudai uriwe Tsvangson, what would you do. I accept that the man is not perfect, given our circumstances, what would you do? You are a good writer Mdu, but i do not like the tone. You are factually correct, but the tone you set raises questions about your loyalty to your fellow Zimbabweans. Not all of us can be in Cardiff, some of us have to remain in Mbare and see things from a closer view.

  • Madam Boss

    Mathuthu, kudai uriwe Tsvangson, what would you do. I accept that the man is not perfect, given our circumstances, what would you do? You are a good writer Mdu, but i do not like the tone. You are factually correct, but the tone you set raises questions about your loyalty to your fellow Zimbabweans. Not all of us can be in Cardiff, some of us have to remain in Mbare and see things from a closer view.

  • Japa japa

    Its amazing that the educated/the so called interlectual people you expect to be civalised are the ones who seem to be tribalist. i lived in Harare for a long time(a Ndebele) with the Shona,to be honest with you i never had any problems with the ordinary people, sometimes i would travel to the rural areas and come back with gifts that i struggled to carry. We lived together peacefully. Zimbabweans where is love????

  • Japa japa

    Its amazing that the educated/the so called interlectual people you expect to be civalised are the ones who seem to be tribalist. i lived in Harare for a long time(a Ndebele) with the Shona,to be honest with you i never had any problems with the ordinary people, sometimes i would travel to the rural areas and come back with gifts that i struggled to carry. We lived together peacefully. Zimbabweans where is love????

  • Mhofu

    spot on, mduduzi, he’s promising manna as far as i’m concerned. forex salaries for all civil servants? unless he means he’s going to pay them each usd5. with little poduction & exports, as well as world recession, i wait to see where this money will flow from.

  • Mhofu

    spot on, mduduzi, he’s promising manna as far as i’m concerned. forex salaries for all civil servants? unless he means he’s going to pay them each usd5. with little poduction & exports, as well as world recession, i wait to see where this money will flow from.

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