You’re free to leave, Tsvangirai tells rivals

via You’re free to leave, Tsvangirai tells rivals  NewZimbabwe 08/03/2014

MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Saturday told rivals pushing for his ouster that they were free to quit if they no longer wanted to continue working with him.

The former premier told supporters at a rally held at Huruyadzo Shopping Centre in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza that he would embarrass his rivals if they dared challenge him for leadership at the party’s congress.

The rally followed Friday’s decision to suspend deputy treasurer Elton Mangoma who is charged with bringing the party into disrepute.

Mangoma’s offence was to tell Tsvangirai that he had become a liability after losing three consecutive elections to Zanu PF while his colourful private life was not helping matters either.

Secretary general Tendai Biti immediately called a press conference to declare that Mangoma’s suspension was unconstitutional and, therefore, null and void.

But as the party looks to be heading for another bitter split after the acrimonious 2005 departure of a group led by Welshman Ncube, Tsvangirai signalled he was prepared to forge ahead without Biti, Mangoma and their supporters.

“I have not run out of manpower, but ndirikuti kana muchida struggle yekuti uyai tiite change, ngatibvisei Zanu PF, let’s work together. But if you do not want to work with me, you are free to leave.”

Biti, Mangoma, youth assembly chairman Solomon Madzore, Harare provincial chairman Paul Madzore and Warren Park MP Elias Mudzuri did not attend the rally again.

Mangoma’s lawyer Jacob Mafume said his client stayed well clear of the gathering because of “rogue elements that are prone to violence.”

“Our client could not attend the rally because of some rogue elements that are intent on hurting him as was the case at Harvest House recently. He will attend other rallies as he is still a member of the party because his reported suspension is null and void,” said Mafume.

The leadership renewal group want Tsvangirai to step down and allow the party to call an extraordinary congress to elect a new leadership.

But the former trade unionist vowed to stay put, warning his rivals they would be humiliated if they dared challenge him for the leadership at the party’s next congress.

“There are some who wish this party away. Everyday, they are saying what they want, even journalists, they are writing what they want . . . but we are saying, they cannot destroy our collective spirit.”

Top officials who attended the rally included Nelson Chamisa, Tracy Mutinhiri, MDC-T and Fidelis Mhashu.