A STRAY black bull was the first guest at the MDC’s launch rally in Chikomba and for a whole hour, it stood transfixed staring at one spot.
BLONDIE NDEBELE
For the superstitious, the bull had been “sent by the ancestors”, informing them that they were watching over the party.
The bull eventually left, unaccompanied and the festivities began, with thousands of people arriving for the launch.
Party leader Welshman Ncube has often been labelled a regional leader and this was his chance to show the country once and for all that he has support countrywide.
MDC supporters came from all over the country packed in buses, for the much-awaited launch, as the party was the only one yet to unveil its campaign.
Some of the young supporters were standing on top of their cars to catch sight of their president, all adorned in the party’s green colours.
Enthusiastic youths from Chikomba kept the crowd entertained, as they waited for the party leadership.
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Aspiring MDC legislators were also in attendance.
Supporters from Matabeleland – touted the MDC’s stronghold – were astonished by the turnout from Mashonaland and the vigour with which members from that region were organising for the party.
“The turnout at this rally shows that victory is certain,” a party member from Hwange said.
“I was surprised to see such a crowd of people who are committed to serve the party, Mashonaland East has been painted all green.”
Party members said the turnout of the “green army”, as they now call themselves, was a sign of better things to come.
MDC-T members from Chikomba said although Zanu PF and MDC-T were also visible in the area, they were certain that victory was theirs, as they rallied behind Goodrich Chimbaira, their candidate for the legislature.
Chimbaira, with his three wives in tow, said the party was now a force to reckon with in the province and other parties were running scared.
There was frenzied excitement when Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa, now in a coalition with the MDC, stood up to speak.
And when it was Ncube’s turn to speak, supporters stood in unison, with women removing their wrapping clothes and laying them down for the party leaders to walk on.
With a praise poet in tow, the MDC leader was the toast of the ball, as party supporters all started to sing and dance in anticipation of the address.
With the fervour generated, Ncube did not disappoint, promising a principled leadership, saying he was ready to serve the people.
