BULAWAYO – Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday officially handed over Highlanders their team bus secured out of a partnership between the oldest football club in the country and its long-time benefactor Tshinga Dube at a ceremony held at Barbourfields Stadium.
Speaking during the handover of the bus, which has the capacity to carry 65 passengers, VP Mnangagwa said he agreed to officiate at the function because of the invitation he got from Dube with whom he has worked for over 40 years and he also felt that it was an honour to be associated with Highlanders, a club with a rich history in Zimbabwean football.
“I agreed to officiate out of respect at the invitation I got from Tshinga Dube, we have travelled together for over 40 years. I also felt that it was an honour to be associated with Highlanders, anybody would want to be associated with success. I am not surprised by Tshinga Dube’s generosity, while I was seated with Highlanders chairman Dube (Peter) he was narrating to me how grateful they are to Tshinga Dube. I feel honoured to officiate on this occasion,’’ said VP Mnangagwa.
Before he handed over the keys of the bus to Highlanders officials, VP Mnangagwa was presented with a Bosso number nine shirt as well as a framed shirt belonging to the club. FC Platinum chairman Dumisani Chisale also gave the Vice-President a framed signed shirt belonging to the Zvishavane-based club.
Highlanders board chairman Mgcini Nkolomi thanked Tshinga Dube for the role he played in making yesterday’s handover a reality.
Mnangagwa was the State Security Minister during the Gukurahundi Massacres and his choice as the guest of honour at Highlanders’ home ground of Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo has not been without controversy.
Mnangagwa was one of the key individuals behind the genocide that saw 20 000 innocent people massacred in the Matabeleland and Midlands. He is known as ‘the butcher of Matabeleland’ for his role in the massacres.
The choice of Mnangagwa to preside at the function did not go down well with many victims and activists given he has never publicly apologized for his role in the massacres. President Robert Mugabe described the genocide as a “moment of madness” but never offered any apology for the tragic episode.
Nehanda Radio understands Highlanders came up with $20 000, which was the prize money from the Bob89 tournament in 2013. Retired Colonel Dube added $25 000 for the purchase of a brand- new Marcopolo bus. Bosso reportedly needed about $27 000 for duty and extended a begging bowl to well-wishers.