Tsvangirai heads to the UK

By Fungi Kwaramba

HARARE – Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai is heading to the United Kingdom to deliver a keynote address at Chatham House, a leading political think tank.

Tsvangirai will be the guest speaker on Friday at the British Royal Institute of International Affairs, better known as Chatham House. He will speak on the “The Future of Opposition Politics in Zimbabwe.”

Tsvangirai will reflect on recent developments within MDC, the importance of strengthening opposition politics for Zimbabwe’s future and the role that international partners can play in Zimbabwe’s democratic progress.

Luke Tamborinyoka, Tsvangirai’s spokesperson, told the Daily News yesterday that the former premier was thrilled with the invitation.

“The (MDC) president has an opportunity to speak about Zimbabwe after the sham 2013 elections,” Tamborinyoka said. “He is going to present the way forward for the country as the opposition leader in the country. It is a very influential think tank.”

Tamborinyoka said the July 26 visit to the UK has rattled Zanu PF. He referred to the Nathaniel Manheru weekly column, which questioned the motivation behind Tsvangirai’s invitation.

Wrote Manheru: “The invite is a definitive statement against (former MDC secretary-general Tendai) Biti and his renewal fellows, a clear warning to Zanu PF that it is still alut!”

Manheru claimed the trip was meant by the British to collect “raw materials for a second round of conflict with Zimbabwe”.

After a poll rout in 2013, a fractured opposition limped on, feigning bravado and unity of purpose, but then splintered as former partners turned on each other.

Biti, the former Finance minister has teamed up with the likes of Elton Mangoma to form the MDC renewal team.

Although Tsvangirai has been deserted by some of his closest allies, he has soldiered on and appears to enjoy considerable grassroots support.

The invite to Tsvangirai has been seen as a British slap in the face of Biti.

Insiders said Tsvangirai’s latest visit to the UK offers a platform for re-engagement with key partners.

Tamborinyoka told the Daily News that the former trade unionist would hold bilateral meetings with MPs from the Labour party and UK government officials.

While in the UK, Tsvangirai will also meet key party structures, hold a rally in Birmingham and then partake in a £100 ($170) per head dinner with party backers, as he seeks to fundraise capital for the party’s congress pencilled for October this year. Daily News