via allAfrica.com: Zimbabwe: MDC-T to Boycott Heroes’ Celebrations. BY DALPHINE TAGWIREI, 11 AUGUST 2013
THE MDC-T has said it will not participate at tomorrow’s national heroes’ celebrations in protest of the July 31 election “stolen” by President Robert Mugabe.
Mugabe, who has ruled the country since independence from Britain in 1980, beat MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who is claiming that the election was rigged in favour of the 89-year-leader.
Thousands of people, mainly Zanu PF supporters who will be celebrating Mugabe’s election victory, are expected to throng the National Heroes Acre in Harare to commemorate the lives of heroes that sacrificed their lives for the liberation of this country.
MDC-T party spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora confirmed that his party would boycott the national event.
“The nation is mourning and we have nothing to celebrate though we honour the fallen heroes,” said Mwonzora. “However, we will do it in our own way.”
The MDC-T participated in national heroes events in the past four years it had been part of the coalition government.
Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn (MKD), which formed an alliance with MDC-T in the elections, confirmed their participation in the celebrations.
MKD spokesperson, Evans Sagomba said: “Our leaders will be present because the heroes’ celebrations are a national event hence our leaders will effectively participate in the celebrations.”
MDC spokesperson, Nhlanhla Dube chose to be diplomatic.
“Does this mean we have to travel to the moon to celebrate it because for us we will celebrate it whether we are at home or whatever place we might be,” he said.
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWA) former secretary for projects, Andrew Ndlovu said while the country celebrated Heroes’ Day, it was important to reward the surviving former fighters who were struggling to survive.
Ndlovu accused the government of reneging on promises it allegedly made to the former freedom fighters.
“They promised the war veterans a 20% stake in every sector of the economy in 1997 when we met Mugabe at State House,” said Ndlovu. “There is no recognition yet they speak positively of us and even show television images of the exhumations of the remains of war veterans but there is nothing for those of us who are still alive.”
Ndlovu said he was part of the late Chenjerai Hunzvi-led ZNLWA executive, which forced Mugabe to doll out Z$50 000 to each war veteran in 1997.
The unplanned for pay-outs resulted in the economy taking a nosedive.
COMMENTS
what heroes may i ask
What the hell is there to celebrate …. 96% unemployment, billions of dollars of debt, millions of people in need of food aid, collapsed health sector, teetering education sector, no water, no electricity , collapsed roads, agricultural sector in ruins, millions of people living outside of Zimbabwe trying to eek out a living often subjected to Xenophobic attacks, millions of people living in fear with in Zimbabwe the list is long and depressing.
You always respond with rubbish you insult our hero’s this is how low you can go for MDC to the extent of lossing your true Zimbabwean values MDC or Zanu PF those are our Hero’s and they must be respected
Because some of them are our uncles and brother lying and resting there.
So please respect.
Ndlovu, shut up ! i 50,000 SEYAPELA yini? You shouldnt cry foul, you were paid so as to at a latter date brutalise your own relatives and perceived enemies of Zanu PF notfor participating in the struggle.Be proud because you probaly got a farm and soon you will be owning Mines.