Maravi

(TALKZIMBABWE) We are beginning to understand Mugabe, says Biti

We are beginning to understand Mugabe, says Biti
Floyd Nkomo
Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:01:00 +0000

FINANCE Minister and Secretary General of the Movement for Democratic Change party, Tendai Biti told mourners gathered at the funeral of Mrs Susan Tsvangirai that he is "beginnning to understand" President Robert Mugabe.

Biti thanked President Mugabe for a moving "fatherly" speech he gave at a service held at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Mabelreign, Harare last week in memory of the Prime Minister's wife.

Mrs Tsvangirai died in a car crash on Friday March 6.

“I ... want to thank His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe. I think many of us are transiting to understand him better," said Biti who is also the finance minister in the inclusive Government formed after Zanu PF and the two MDC formations signed a Global Political Agreement.

"I think yesterday’s speech he spoke not like a politician but a father. We all saw a part in him, that he is also a human being like us,” added Biti.

Last week, Edwin Tsvangirai, the Prime Minister's eldest son Morgan Tsvangirai's eldest son heaped praises on President Mugabe after he delivered a speech at his mother's funeral.

“I want to thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the kind words that changed my understanding of him," said Edwin.

He also urged his father, Prime Minister Tsvangirai to look ahead to the work of rebuilding Zimbabwe.

"Our path is to grieve and heal, so we can prepare you for taking the nation forward," Edwin said.

President Mugabe told the mourners he was saddened by the death of Mrs Tsvangirai, and that he hoped "Morgan will remain strong".

The president said all Zimbabweans should support prime minister Tsvangirai at this very difficult time.

"“This is a difficult moment for our colleague. He has lost a partner and we must all rally to support him and lessen his burden,” President Mugabe said.

“To our supporters, we want to say violence should stop. That’s what (Mrs) Tsvangirai would have wanted, for us to co-exist peacefully. We have just started a new life after years of fighting each other and insulting each other. We have said let’s give peace and harmony a chance and work together.”

He assured the Tsvangirai family, and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) formations, that “we are mourning with you, our hearts are with you”. He went on: “This issue of politics has been affecting our lives and families badly. People don’t know the troubles and dirty wars that we fight.”

Labels: EDWIN TSVANGIRAI, MUGABE, TENDAI BITI

posted by MrK @ 1:05 AM