via Mugabe saved me from Tsvangirai, claims Biti July 8, 2014 by Everson Mushava/ Moses Matenga
Fired MDC-T secretary-general and ex-Finance minister Tendai Biti has made sensational claims that MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai wanted him out of Cabinet as far back as 2010, but the planned purge couched in the form of a reshuffle was blocked by President Robert Mugabe.
Biti, who was “axed” as MDC-T secretary-general in April this year after an attempted “palace coup” on Tsvangirai, told NewsDay in an exclusive interview last Friday that his rivalry with the former Prime Minister dated back to that period.
“It is true, I was told by officials from government and from the Prime Minister’s Office that the reshuffle was targeting me and [former Energy minister Elias] Mudzuri,” Biti said.
Biti is now leading the Renewal Team, a political outfit made up of disgruntled former MDC-T party members opposed to Tsvangirai’s continued stay at the helm of the labour-backed party.
Tsvangirai’s mini-Cabinet reshuffle, which came 16 months after the formation of the unity government, eventually claimed the scalps of Mudzuri, ex-Housing and Social Amenities minister Fidelis Mhashu, Women Affairs deputy minister Evelyn Masaiti and Youth deputy minister Thamsanqa Mahlangu.
The reshuffle, which only affected ministries under the ambit of the MDC-T, saw former Home Affairs co-minister Giles Mutsekwa being reassigned to the Housing and Social Amenities portfolio, while Elton Mangoma replaced Mudzuri.
Theresa Makone was shifted from her Public Works portfolio to become Home Affairs co-minister, while Gorden Moyo became the Minister of State and Parastatals from his post as Minister of State in the PM’s office.
A highly-placed Zanu PF government official also confirmed that Mugabe stood his ground and blocked Biti’s removal, arguing that the finance portfolio was “too sensitive” and could not be tampered with.
“Mugabe strongly condemned the move to have Biti removed from the Finance ministry, saying it was a sensitive portfolio and he had not seen anything untoward with Biti’s performance,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
“In one of the meetings with Biti, Mugabe personally confronted the former Finance minister and asked him what wrong he had done to the Prime Minister.”
Biti confirmed being quizzed by Mugabe to explain the source of his rift with Tsvangirai.
The source said Tsvangirai had told Mugabe that Biti was “troublesome” and unfit to remain in government as he was allegedly stifling the smooth implementation of the Global Political Agreement.
Mugabe and former Deputy Premier Arthur Mutambara reportedly shot down the proposed elimination.
“The reshuffle was targeting people who had been perceived as threats to Tsvangirai; those people independent financially and mentally to pose a threat to the MDC-T leader,” the source added.
Mudzuri has already declared an interest to challenge Tsvangirai at the party’s elective congress in October this year.
But Tsvangirai spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka yesterday dismissed the claims as speculative and meant to divert attention, saying it was in fact Mugabe who had wanted Biti dismissed from the inclusive government.
“We cannot comment on things that did not happen. Anything else is speculation,” Tamborinyoka said.
“It was Mugabe who actually wanted Biti fired, saying he was refusing to release money, but Tsvangirai refused telling Mugabe that he could not choose ministers for him.”
Sources, however, insisted that the feud between Biti and Tsvangirai started when they were still in government.
The sources cited an incident where towards the end of the inclusive government, Makone publicly accused Biti of being sponsored by Zanu PF to destroy Tsvangirai’s pillars of support.
In her speech, Makone warned that Biti would be made a backbencher if MDC-T won the presidency.
COMMENTS
Everyone can see that Biti is a big liar and an opportunist.We all know that Mugabe wanted Biti out and he made comments to that effect many times publicly. Biti wants to seek relevance by making sensational claims.If the said reshuffle was meant for victimization then why was Mangoma given an important ministerial post. Biti you dug your own political grave
Saved from chop and cheesed with representing Gideon.We can see to it that your are looking for a Job. Dont waste our time educated lawyer. Just look for more clients.
I don’t know why Biti is fighting to remove our very very good president, he must join us. Even the whites are saying he is a very good president, you are not alone Biti. I hope all the renewal team know this. Please guys come back home the doors are wide open.
Biti is zanu if not cio
Correct. This is telling, he’s saying he owes Mugabe something for saving him from Morgan.
If the dude was doing an excelling job that pleased the “dear leader”, why would he be serving Gono for survival now?
We now know who Biti was working for. Why does he tell us this. He should join Zanu PF quietly. Money and power corrupts
Biti’s Renewal team is a destabilising force created by Mugabe. You see my point, Mugabe ishasha. Biti should be appointed minster of youth and gender or indeginisation or information in the president’s office.
HE HAD GUTS FEELING THAT YOU WERE A ZANUPF SUPPORTER! “ZANUPF HAD A BETTER ….” SO YOU SAID BITE!
What an opportunistic, sneaky little ‘moyo-ist he’s turning out to be. True colours surfacing. Bitiumen thru and thru.
“Nhai muMDC mashaya wo munhu akatingwarei kuti atungamirire musangano wenyu here?”(MDC can you not find a suitable leader to lead your party) These were kind words of “wisdom” or to that effect from Mugabe.
Mugabe really loves MDC to survive, of course Biti is in the grand plan in this scheme. Grand coalition led by Biti and a second unity agreement is sealed, excluding shumba yaMugabe.
Remember Biti and Mugabe are homeboys and of course blood is thicker than water.
kkkkkkkk vanhu vaye vorotomoka husiku nemasikati.
I have over and over again that Mbiti is ZPF payroll. He should just concentrate on sudden weight loss and stop day dreaming!
Biti you must be going crazy. ZANU PF is like a chicken it does not brood over any other’s chick except its on. Why would Mugabe save you if you were not his on. Its amazing that all along people did not know. So you and Ncube been birds of further since inception. Any way time is proving who are true MDCs cadres. No wonder why since MDC formation you, Mtambara, Ncube, Sipepa Nkomo never got any biting from ZANU PF CIO and ZRP. I been thinking you are a quiet person and very careful. Its because you are its own. Chamisa, Tsvangirai, Jongwe and Sikhala and rest have scares.
Mugabe. A past master at divide and rule. What works for him within his own party works for him in the opposition too. Sounds like he was busy whispering sweet nothings mixed with poison into both Biti and Tsvangirai’s ears.
I hope you also admit his tribal divide and rule tactics between PF ZAPU and ZANU PF. Many Shonas have always insisted ZANU PF won fairly the elections of 1980. I am not sure if tribalism in elections constitutes fair competition!
I agree with Biti. One’s enemy can also save one from another of his enemies. The issue is not about who saves you; the issue is about you wanting to survive. Under these circumstances, the motives of the one who saves you become irrelevant to you.
Are you telling me that if whites had offered help to Mthwakazi during Robert Mugabe’s gukurahundi, Mthwakazi was supposed to refuse the help simply because it was coming from whites? Hell no.
I will accept help from whomesoever, as long that helps me get rid of my current oppressor. Its that simple!
People, stop engaging in football team politics where you support one side to the hilt and demonise the other side – and can’t see anything rationally. The fact is that both Biti and MT are vastly compromised individuals and have little of what Zimbabwe needs to be saved.
Usadherere ZNPF! Hamumbofa makaigona. They have scored once again! Devide them and they become weak! Usambodherere!