#mugabe urges long serving leaders to ‘give way’ for others

via Mugabe urges long serving leaders to ‘give way’ for others | SW Radio Africa by Tichaona Sibanda on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 

Mugabe on Sunday showed how disconnected he is to reality when he blasted leaders for overstaying in power.

During celebrations to mark his birthday at Rudhaka stadium in Marondera Mugabe, in reference to provincial chairmen in ZANU PF, said: ‘Those in leadership who have stayed long and have produced no results must now give way and allow other leaders to take over.’

Outspoken leader of the MDC99, Job Sikhala, said it is ironic that a man who has been at the helm of ZANU PF since 1977 can say that.

‘He has been leader of ZANU PF for close to 40 years now and that alone disqualifies him from asking other people to step down when he is still there,’ Sikhala said.

He said Mugabe’s outburst could have been influenced by the factional infighting in the party, as he believed the provincial leaders had taken sides with the alleged factional leaders.

The factional leaders are Vice President Joyce Mujuru and Justice Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, two party stalwarts battling to outwit each other in the hope of taking over from Mugabe one day.