Zanu PF bigwig visits TB Joshua

Politics
MANICALAND Provincial Affairs minister Chris Mushowe and his wife were spotted at the Nigerian prophet Temitope Balogun “TB” Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan)

MANICALAND Provincial Affairs minister Chris Mushowe and his wife were spotted at the Nigerian prophet Temitope Balogun “TB” Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) barely a week after President Robert Mugabe belittled former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai for rushing to the Nigerian prophet. LUYANDUHLOBO MAKWATI OWN CORRESPONDENT

Members of the Scaon said it was not the first time Mushowe and his family had attended TB Joshua’s sermons.

Southern Eye was yesterday inundated with calls from readers alerting the paper about the presence of Mushowe at the Scoan.

Mugabe recently mocked Tsvangirai saying he was making futile trips to London and the Nigerian televangelist to discredit Zanu PF’s July 31 election victory.

“He is running to London and has been to TB Joshua seeking prayers,” the veteran ruler told villagers during a visit to Umzingwane in Matabeleland South.

“But you cannot pray for a person who is bent on wrong doing.”

Mugabe also launched an astonishing attack on Tsvangirai saying his long-time rival was as “good as mad”.

Tsvangirai’s spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka hit back saying the 89-year-old ruler’s tirades showed that he had become too old.

He said Tsvangirai had visited the Scoan because he was a God-fearing leader.

“It is part of our African culture to respect elders, but we understand very much that old age comes with senility,” said Tamborinyoka.

“Tsvangirai is a Christian and his going to church confirms he is a God-fearing leader.” he said.

Tsvangirai was seen at a Scoan service last month and a video of TB Joshua laying his hands on him resulting in a momentary loss of balance, went viral on the Internet.

His critics speculated he had gone to seek prayers because of the morale-sapping loss to Zanu PF, which his party blamed on massive rigging.

Tamborinyoka said Tsvangirai would not be intimidated into endorsing Mugabe’s re-election that would see him at the helm of Zimbabwe for at least 38 years.

“Tsvangirai has made it clear that he will not legitimise theft. So if Mugabe expects Tsvangirai to endorse theft that will not happen.”

A repeat of the video which featured Mushowe is likely to be aired tonight.

Efforts to get comments from Mushowe yesterday were futile as his phone was not reachable.

He was believed to be travelling back home from West Africa.