Thousands of Movement and Democratic Change (MDC-T) party supporters on Monday descended on the Freedom Square grounds in Harare to bid farewell to their late party leader, Morgan Tsvangirai amid calls for the movement to unite in fulfillment of their departed icon’s wish.
Tsvangirai who succumbed to cancer of the colon was described by many as an epitome of democracy.
The party’s Acting President, Nelson Chamisa said the party will not rest until it fulfils the mission of the late hero whom he said stood for democracy in Zimbabwe.
“We will not disappoint Morgan Tsvangirai, for he wanted us to unite and advocate for freedom in the country.
“This country did not know what freedom is until Tsvangirai came, and showed Mugabe that people in Zimbabwe can surely stand for their rights,” said Chamisa.
He added, “We will bury Tsvangirai but will not bury his ideas and let his legacy live on. Let us then honor him by grant a vote”
Chamisa was upbeat on the party’s chances of wrestling power from Emmerson Mnangagwa in the forthcoming elections.
“When we make all this happening, ZANU PF will be our opposition party, but unlike them, we will allow them to demonstrate for their concerns freely because we are a democratic party,” said Chamisa.
The former Prime Minister’s first son, Edwin Tsvangirai called for peace and unity in the party in honour of his late father.
“One thing we want is peace and unity, for my father wanted that.”
Richard Tsvangirai, another son to the late democratic fighter also promised to make fulfilment to his father’s dream.
“We are gathered here to mourn a great hero who fought for democracy and we shall let his legacy live on.”
Tsvangirai will be buried today next to his wife in Humanikwa village in Buhera.
Other party members and speakers from a cross section of society called on the party leaders to respect their deceased leader by observing peace and unity.
Since the death of Tsvangirai, three deputies, Chamisa, Elias Mudzuri and Thokozani Khupe have all come out claiming to be acting Presidents, escalating tension and possibilities of a split in the party.
With Chamisa having been appointed Acting President by the National Council, the other two VPs have vehemently opposed the move which they say is unconstitutional and smacks of lack of respect for their departed leader.
