via Bob stuck in 70s, can’t embrace 21st century 07/05/2014 NewZimbabwe
OPPOSITION Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn (MKD) leader, Simba Makoni says he will not join the Tendai Biti proposed coalition of opposition forces but would be part of his envisaged “grand coalition” of all political actors and non-politicians.
Addressing a media briefing in Harare Wednesday, the former Finance Minister accused both President Robert Mugabe and MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai of presiding over what he termed big man politics.
Makoni said he has not yet been approached by Biti’s renewal group on the formation of a coalition, but said he will not be part of an arrangement that seeks to exclude certain individuals from it.
This comes after MDC leader Welshman Ncube reportedly expressed interest to join forces with the “expelled” MDC-T secretary general on condition that his nemesis, Tsvangirai was out of the picture.
Makoni said he envisaged a grand coalition that would bring together Zimbabweans from politics, churches and business in a bid to remedy the country’s deteriorating political, social and economic crisis.
“We must have capacity to work with everybody. MKD is not looking to working with Welshman Ncube and not Tsvangirai,” he said, “We are looking to working with both of them.
“MKD is not seeking to exclude Zanu PF because there are good people in Zanu PF who can contribute immensely to solving the problems of our country. They are not only capable of destroying although they have in the main, destroyed; they are also capable of building.”
The former Zanu PF politburo member said he has since met the feuding MDC-T politicians over their split but both have blamed each other for the crisis.
He said he was not convinced the MDC-T differences could not be bridged, adding that local politicians must learn to abandon their narrow political ambitions and focus on nation building.
Makoni did not spare Biti either, whom he said had rushed into making far-reaching decisions before he and his comrades could fully comprehend the problem at hand and the solutions thereto.
Makoni ditched Zanu PF on the eve of nomination in February 2008 to challenge his former boss President Mugabe, in a presidential election he later came a distant third.
He had no kind words for Mugabe whom he said no longer had any capacity to solve the country’s multi-pronged crisis.
“I think where we are now, with due respect, and l respect President Mugabe a lot, as a father … l have a lot of issues with what he is doing to our country and its people.
“I think the creation of the future of Zimbabwe that some of us are dreaming of is beyond President Mugabe’s capacity not just because he is 90 years old but l think even his mind-set is not able to look at the future.”
Makoni continued, “But he (Mugabe) would have a role to play in facilitating that those who are capable of creating the future can go ahead and do it and the first thing would be to free his comrades to act on their convictions.
“He should unshackle the comrades in the politburo, the comrades in the central committee so that they can act on what they believe in.”
The Mavambo leader added, “There are some comrades who are so much stuck in Chimoio that to jump into Zimbabwe in the 21st century would prove difficult.
“If he (Mugabe) was capable of envisaging a Zimbabwe in the 21st century, he would not be doing some of the things that he has done in the last decade and a half.”
Makoni said all leaders in Zimbabwe, including himself, have failed the people and must be blamed collectively as opposed to singling out Zanu PF for the rot.
COMMENTS
Makoni never ever ditched Zanu pf. He has on two occasions stabbed MDC in the back whilst he was wearing a mask. MDC did not even know it was him. Ndumiso knew, and said as much on the first time. The second time Ndumiso had left this back stabbing. Morgan was again fooled by Makoni. Simba Makoni is part of the snakes and scorpions. Only he is a puff adder. Moves slowly, but when he bites the limb has to be removed.
As long as u r part of looters, riggers, murderers etc u will always be suspicious. Makoni is a snake. U cant include zpf while the coalition is being formed to remove zpf. Makoni must stay w his party
Makoni is a sellout
What he says bears listening to. He sounds sensible, stable and aware of the wider landscape.
Why talk of snakes and sell outs?
The man is being honest. Of all the alternatives, rehabilitating Simba within a re-vamped ZPF looks a good option for the country. He would be an able leader.
ZPF is not going anywhere so encourage progressive thinking.
For sure he is a snake in the grass. Good person during the day but a vampire by night. No matter what he says to HELL with him. Sold-out long time ago!
It is clear even from the comments on this forum that Zimbabweans are simply not ready for politicians such a Simba Makoni. We still live in a world where LOYALTY is placed above all other issues. We do not understand that the duty of a genuine political party is to bring onto the table every issue and opinion most especially divided opinion. By placing all opinions from the furthest left to the furthest right and all in between. By gathering around these diverse views we then start the process of finding the best solution. At that table a sifting process results in policies which benefit the nation. We in Zimbabwe have no such table. God help anybody trying to promote diversity in ANY FORM. Anybody who disagrees is a “sell out” or a “turncoat” or a “snake”. We continue to be the sheep herded to our destiny by wolves.
Gomogranny I couldn’t agree with you more. Its sad that the majority of Zimbabwe (at least those that comment on these platforms) are so opposed to hearing opinions that differ from theirs. is it really necessary to be so insulting to someone just because they have expressed a view you do not agree with?? If they are wrong prove it through sound and factual argument.
I have been listening to Makoni’s statements in the last 2years and his statements have been consistent. They portray a man who at last understands the real problem of Zim:
A) He, unlike the leaders we have had accepts responsibility of the problem we are facing. Thats what leaders do.
B) He also understands the root cause of our leadership challenge: big-man ego. We see it with Bob, Morgan, Biti and even Chamisa. We all think we are 100% right.
C)He reckons ZanuPF’s successful strategy- divide and rule. Until we learn to put aside our little interests we will never liberate this country from PF. What we have to realise is that its Welsh, Morgan and Biti who are divided for their personal reasons not the people of Zim. We the masses are on the same page.its them not us.
If you ask me….i would say…it predictable that if Makoni persists on this path..he will emerge the unifier and catalyst we need for a new Zimbabwe. He might altogether arise as the leader for the new country we need.
The man has made disastrous mistakes but..has he learnt and repented? I think YES. After all who else is talking the message of unity and purpose.
“MKD is not seeking to exclude Zanu PF because there are good people in Zanu PF who can contribute immensely to solving the problems of our country. They are not only capable of destroying although they have in the main, destroyed; they are also capable of building.”
There are good people in ZANU PF……….Really Dr Makoni? really? Please name one.
I cannot see a good person remaining stuck with evil whatever the circumstances, hell no.
Good people, like our Lord Jesus Christ should be prepared to stand alone and be counted; must be prepared to be assasinated and lose everything for the sake of principles and the truth.
I dont see anyone in ZANU PF who can do that – please name one!!
What specific mistakes did he make?
I think Makoni is a Trojan horse for Mugabe. That’s why Mugabe knows so much about the MDC. HOW HAS he SURVIVED WHILst Others HAVE HAD CAR ACCIDENTS