'We produced a creature that destroyed this country'

'We produced a creature that destroyed this country' - Nkala

• Tekere says Mugabe 'insecure' in new book

By Staff Reporter

ZIMBABWEAN President Robert Mugabe had no ambitions for the top job but took the position after much persuasion, two leading figures of the country's independence war from white colonial rule claimed Thursday.

Former ministers and Zanu PF founding fathers Edgar Tekere and Enos Nkala said this in separate speeches during the launch of the former's book, A Lifetime of Struggle.

Tekere said he has never seen Mugabe campaining for a leadership position. He added that apart from the presidency, Mugabe was also appointed to the post of secretary general for Zanu in 1963 in absentia.

Tekere said Mugabe's rise to power which he and others facilitated is "an unfortunate happening.

On his part Nkala said: "We made the mistake to appoint Mugabe...I do admit I
was part of the mistake.

"He was refusing to take the leadership position he now enjoys. We produced a
creature that destroyed this country. I am not saying it out of anger, but this
is a fact."

Nkala said during the war "young boys" in Lusaka wanted to turn on Mugabe
saying he had staged a coup, but Tekere and others had pacified them saying it was them who had put him there.

Nkala said Mugabe, 83 next month, must resign to save Zimbabwe.

"He has to go and go so that this country can be repaired. The reconstruction
cannot take place for as long as Mugabe remains president," Nkala added.

Nkala said he remained a loyal Zanu PF member as the party was formed at his house.

He said Zanu PF national chairman, John Nkomo, who signed a letter informing Tekere that he could not have any position in the party is a "mafikizolo who was once an informer for Ian Smith", the former Rhodesian leader.

He added that there are classified documents to that effect and the information will be published in a book he is writing.

Tekere said Zanu PF was his own party and predicted that 2007 is going to be
very tough for Zimbabweans as long as Mugabe remains in power.

"It is going to be worse if you continue with this slogan, Pamberi navaMugabe (forward with Mugabe)," Tekere said.

A Lifetime of Struggle is published by Sapes Books. You can e-mail info@sapes.org.zw for a copy. The book will be distributed by African Book Collectors in London (click here)

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