The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has been told not to refer to Morgan Tsvangirai by his official title of Prime Minister but instead call him ‘leader of the MDC (T) party.’
Although Tsvangirai is indeed the leader of the MDC-T ‘the inferred loss of status by not using the title ‘Prime Minister’ is glaringly obvious’, writer Cathy Buckle observed in her weekly letter. ‘Perhaps they thought we wouldn’t notice, or perhaps, like so many other things in Zimbabwe, the more you say it, true or false, the more people believe it?,’ she added.
The relationship between Tsvangirai and longtime dictator Robert Mugabe has all but collapsed with the Prime Minister admitting he has not met Mugabe ‘one on one’ in almost a month. Tsvangirai reacted furiously when Mugabe unilaterally appointed judges, ambassadors and governors without consultation.
The dropping of Tsvangirai’s title from ZBC bulletins, although still unofficial can be contrasted with the almost ridiculous showering of titles on Mugabe who is referred to as the President, The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Pity titles don’t win you elections…..
