HARARE - Opposition leaders have said they are prepared to engage with MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai over a grand coalition provided they are approached in a proper manner.
The former prime minister told his supporters at a rally in Budiriro over the weekend that he was ready to join hands with other opposition parties.
“The likes of (MDC 99 leader Job) Sikhala, Welsh (MDC-N founder Welshman Ncube) and (National Constitutional Assembly leader Lovemore) Madhuku must come back,” he said.
Sikhala said he is ready to enter into a grand coalition, but said Tsvangirai should raise the issue in proper platforms.
“It’s not something new and we know some factions are excited over such news,” Sikhala said.
“It will come (grand coalition) but not in that way. Surely there will be realignment of forces and shall be announced at the proper time and proper platform.”
Ncube was unreachable for comment but his party’s spokesperson Nhlanhla Dube said Tsvangirai should use appropriate platforms to raise the issue.
“I am sure Tsvangirai does have Ncube’s contact details and would call him if he wants to have a conversation with him,” Dube said.
He said his party is ready to work with democratic forces who share its values in theory and practice.
Meanwhile, Shakespeare Hamauswa, a political analyst, said Tsvangirai’s grand coalition call shows that the former trade union leader is in panic mode.
“I think Tsvangirai is pre-empting rebels who want him gone,” Hamauswa said.
“The same guys, Ncube and Madhuku left for the same reasons that the rebels are seized with. So they are of the same mind and l think Tsvangirai saw through this and that’s why he made the statement.
“On the other hand, Tsvangirai maybe trying to frighten Mangoma (Elton) to stop his leadership change agenda. But the problem with Tsvangirai is that his call is mere rally rhetoric and there won’t be action undertaken to engage with other opposition leaders.”
Mangoma, the MDC deputy treasurer-general, has thrown the 15-year-old movement into turmoil after he penned a strongly-worded letter agitating for Tsvangirai to step down.
However, Tsvangirai has refused to step down arguing that he can only be removed at congress due in 2016.
But, Luke Tamborinyoka, Tsvangirai spokesperson, insisted that his boss’ plea for former members to come back was not premised on fear of party rebels.
“Tsvangirai has been advocating for a grand coalition and if you remember there were plans to launch a coalition just before the elections,” Tamborinyoka said.
“His statement at the rally was not targeted at those calling for leadership renewal.”