Tsvangirai will quit after 'liberation'

Tsvangirai will quit after 'liberation'

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By Lebo Nkatazo

MORGAN Tsvangirai delivered his most passionate speech yet Saturday, pledging to quit as MDC leader "once the people have liberated themselves."

Aming cheers from 15 000 delegates attending the party's congress in Harare, Tsvangirai threatened to lead a wave of mass protests against President Robert Mugabe's regime "from the front" until democracy was restored in Zimbabwe.

Tsvangirai thundered: "A storm is upon the horizon. You must prepare for a long cold winter across the country (and) from today, fellow Zimbabweans, kindly save a penny and stock up where possible.

"I promise to lead from the front. I promise to use all available resources and will-power to see off the tyranny in Zimbabwe today; to assist in putting together the building blocks for a new Zimbabwe and a new beginning."

Tsvangirai, whose party has been rocked by internal divisions, made no mention of another faction of the MDC led by rocket scientist Arthur Mutambara which was holding a rally in Bulawayo Sunday.

Analysts say the divisions have weakened the MDC, and doubts remain about the viability of street protests which have previously been crushed by security forces or failed to attract the "masses".

But Tsvangirai, backed by civic groups which have been calling for a tough line against Mugabe's government, is convinced elections will not end President Mugabe's 26-year reign.

He added: "The bottom line is that we must rise and confront what is before us."

Tsvangirai appeared to answer some critics who have suggested he was exhibiting dictatorial tendencies, saying his intention was not to become "life president".

He said: "A new Zimbabwe, a new beginning has no room for life presidents. It has never been my intention to hold on to power after the people have liberated themselves from this dictatorship. My contract with the people does not extend beyond a certain time-frame.

"My wish is to execute our mandate in an honest and vigorous manner; preside over a transition to full democracy and pass on the baton to another Zimbabwean.

"I believe there must be an exciting life for a pensioner - whether that pensioner is a peasant, former factory cleaner or a former president. I pledge to honour my word."
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