 MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai has described former finance minister Simba Makoni as old wine in a new bottle. Related Articles
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12 February 2008
HARARE-MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai has described Dr Simba Makoni as old wine in new bottles, saying the former Finance minister is a Zanu PF functionary who is equally accountable for the collapse of Zimbabwe’s once great economy.
Flanked by a buoyant New Zimbabwe Team comprising over 200 parliamentary and senatorial candidates for all the constituencies in the country, Tsvangirai told journalists that Makoni would not bring anything new because he has remained deeply rooted in Zanu PF.
“Makoni claims he is Zanu PF and that is a fundamental difference with us. Zanu PF is a culture that represents values and ethos of repression and Makoni is not breaking away from that. He will not bring anything new to the people of Zimbabwe. He is old wine in new bottles,” President Tsvangirai said.
He ruled any elitist pact that did not serve the interests of the people of Zimbabwe who want food, jobs, medicines, transport, affordable health and education, fuel and electricity.
“We have the mandate of the people to deliver change. While Simba Makoni thinks he can reform a dictatorship, we are seeking total transformation. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better,” said Tsvangirai.
He scoffed at speculation by journalists that he would pave way for Makoni to be the leader of the opposition.
“We are MDC and Simba Makoni is Zanu PF and that is a fundamental difference. Makoni is looking for a team but I have my team here,” the President said to thunderous applause by the New Zimbabwe Team.
Tsvangirai was speaking to journalists soon after a pep talk and an induction session with the party’s parliamentary and senatorial candidates.
He said if Mugabe stole the people’s vote again in the next election, he would lose the last shred of legitimacy.
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Nehanda Radio: Zimbabwe's first 24 hour internet radio news channel.