(Last Updated on September 13, 2015 by Editor)
Tsvangirai said this at Nharira Business Centre near Chivhu where he addressed approximately 3 000 party supporters during the MDCT’s 16th anniversary celebrations.
Last week, Tsvangirai also said he welcomed the idea of working with former Vice-President Joice Mujuru to dislodge Zanu PF from power.
“Changing Cabinet does not change anything. We just need transformation of the entire system,” Tsvangirai said.
The former Premier chided Zanu PF and its leader, President Robert Mugabe, describing them as clueless people who would not be able to turn around the country even with multiple Cabinet reshuffles, or with any amount of investment.
“[Nigerian investor Aliko] Dangote doesn’t bring anything and he cannot rescue this country as long as we still have Mugabe in power. We just need to change the system and this Zanu PF party has come to an end now,” he said.
Tsvangirai said a coalition was the only option that could save the country from implosion.
“Our side of the struggle is getting many new players every day. There is now palpable national consensus that indeed, we must collectively define the determining moment of the people’s struggle,” he said.
“The vision of the MDC has always been about a united, prosperous and democratic Zimbabwe.
We have had to bear the brunt of sustained attacks and violence against us for believing that vision and for holding it dearly.
“But today, we are heartened that there are more of us with the same vision, including others who were formerly with Zanu PF. Everyone has their Damascene moment and they must be encouraged. They deserve our support for their new sense of patriotism and the realisation that together, we are bigger, better and more formidable.”
The 16th anniversary celebrations were attended by civic society organisations, labour unions and former Hurungwe West legislator and Mashonaland West Zanu PF chairman Temba Mliswa, who received a standing ovation as he walked to the podium to address the delegates.
Mliswa emphasised unity of purpose by opposition parties, but said those that were formerly Zanu PF should not be allowed to lead the coalition.
“I want to congratulate Mujuru for the blueprint (Build) but now she is going to face the real monster,” said Mliswa in reference to violence normally unleashed on opposition members.
“It’s one thing to produce a blueprint and quite another to gather thousands of people as you [Tsvangirai] have done here. Let’s leave documents and join those who have the experience of being
assaulted in an election.
“Everyone should bring something to the coalition and as they come, they should know that you are the president of the biggest opposition party in Zimbabwe. They should not come wearing Zanu PF hats because they are no longer with Zanu PF.”
Follow