VICE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s proposed consultative meetings with Bulawayo residents at the end of the month have generated mixed reactions, with some opposition leaders saying he should publicly apologise over his remarks about the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo.
BY NQOBILE BHEBHE
Former Zipra fighter, Max Mnkandla said Mnangagwa, who is due in the city on September 24, should brace for a backlash over his remarks on Nkomo.
“If he (Mnangagwa) is coming to consult with Zanu PF members disguised as Bulawayo residents, he should go to his party offices, Davis Hall,” he said.
“That is where he will get feedback from his party people, who have been deployed to the region to snoop on us.
“But if he genuinely wants to dialogue with Bulawayo residents he should first issue an apology on his Joshua Nkomo insult.
“If he does not issue an apology, we will organise residents to boycott the meeting or disrupt it if we elect to attend.”
Mnangagwa is currently under fire over his recent utterances suggesting Nkomo was a sell-out, who lost the 1980 elections because he served white minority interests.
Opposition parties and activists said Mnangagwa should not use the visit to gather views on reviving the economy, but to give updates on government’s economic pledges.
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MDC Renewal Team Bulawayo provincial spokesperson, Fortune Mlalazi said it would be folly for Mnangagwa to consult with residents, yet government had long outlined its policies.
“We find it strange that Mnangagwa intends to consult with residents. He is part of a government that has already outlined its policies,” he said.
“We expect him to give a comprehensive update on progress made under ZimAsset and how they (government) plan to revive Bulawayo.”
