ONE of the luminaries of Zimbabwe’s war of liberation, Edgar Tekere says his recovery is “phenomenal” but he would be shocked if President Robert Mugabe paid him a visit.
The former Zanu PF secretary-general, who is hospitalised at a private hospital in Harare, said his health had vastly improved since the time he was transferred from Mutare a few weeks ago. He is battling with cancer.
“There have been tremendous changes and I’m still wondering if this is reality,” said Tekere. “It is phenomenal considering that I came all the way from Mutare in an ambulance and unable to walk. To those within the religious circles you might call it a miraculous recovery.”
Tekere, who has been visited by several politicians including Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his deputy Arthur Mutambara, said he would be shocked if President Robert Mugabe were to visit him in hospital.
“I absolutely don’t expect to be visited by President Mugabe,” he said. “I would be surprised if that happens and would even fall back on my walking frame due to shock.”
He is a member of a prominent medical aid society which he said, was taking care of both his medication and treatment.
He however could not confirm and deny claims that his medical bills were being taken care of by his friends in both Zanu PF and the two MDC formations.
Senior Zanu PF officials who have visited Tekere, a fierce critic of Mugabe, include Minister of Media, Information and Publicity
Webster Shamu, Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Saviour Kasukuwere as well as former Finance minister Simba Makoni.
Tekere acknowledged their support during the difficult time.
The veteran nationalist said it would be difficult to remove Mugabe from power.
“To disengage Mugabe and his team from power will not be easy since I know him as a man who doesn’t want contest,” he said. “This is exemplified by his slogan ‘VaMugabe chete’.”
Tekere urged the two MDC formations, which split in 2005, to unite if they entertain chances of wrestling power from the octogenarian leader, who has ruled the country for the past three decades.