Tsvangirai bitter on corruption

MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has publicly admitted that his party is riddled with corruption that is threatening its integrity and vowed to fire all members found guilty.

Addressing party supporters in Chitungwiza yesterday, Mr Tsvangirai said corruption had become a deep-rooted cancer in the party structures.

"What is happening now is a manifestation of a party yapindwa napongwe. This is a reflection of a party eroding as a result of corruption. This is a serious matter and recently we fired the Chitungwiza executive because of corruption.

"We again fired the Chitungwiza council that was also mired in corruption. As president of the party, I have an obligation to protect the integrity of the party and in pursuit of this obligation, I prefer to become the most unpopular leader for a very popular reason," he said.

He maintained that the Chitungwiza councillors that were dismissed by the party for corruption did not have legitimacy to continue serving in the local authority.

Mr Tsvangirai said he would meet the responsible minister over the issue soon.

However, Local Government, Urban and Rural Development Minister Ignatius Chombo has already indicated that he will not fire the council over party squabbles.

Mr Tsvangirai said some of the party officials who secured Government positions were abusing them for self-enrichment.

"Vamwe venyu manga musina kana nebhutsu chaidzo asi mave kufamba nemota six-six. We are very serious about this issue. Some of you are already building white houses, saka chii ichocho?" he asked.

Mr Tsvangirai’s remarks on corruption come at a time when there are reports of corruption and maladministration in Chegutu, Bindura and Kadoma.

Sources close to the party said a report that was tabled before the party’s national council last week had shown alarming levels of corruption, with councillors being accused of enriching themselves.

Turning to the ongoing talks over the implementation of Global Political Agreement issues, Mr Tsvangirai said the negotiations should come to an end to allow the inclusive Government time to rebuild the economy.

He said people were waiting for the Government to deliver, hence the need to conclude the dialogue.

Before addressing the rally, Mr Tsvangirai planted a palm tree at his Strathaven home in the morning in memory of his late wife Susan who died in a car accident on March 6 last year.

He was assisted by his son Edwin.