Tsvangirai says he is the main actor

PRIME MINISTER Morgan Tsvangirai says he has recovered from the shock of losing his wife Susan who died in a horrific car crash in 2009, and humorously equated himself to the main actor in a movie who does not die until the script is finished.

Addressing senior government officials, close family members and MDC-T members yesterday during a memorial service for his late wife in Harare, Tsvangirai said it would have been disastrous had he died in the accident.

"Ask yourself that in that accident, had it been me who died and she had survived, what would have happened? One of the fundamental things is that the main actor doesn't die if the film is still on," Tsvangirai said.

He paid homage to Susan, saying she had stood by his side during trying times.

"I have recovered from the shock and I am moving on understanding that the task next year is to put the final recognition to the contribution by this woman. We will do that in Buhera," he said without elaborating.

Speaking at the same occasion, Tsvangirai's daughter, Vimbai, said her mother had left behind a rich legacy.

"She left a legacy. She taught us to be humble and not to be arrogant by capitalising on our father's job or name. Like (the biblical) Moses, she did not get to the promised land. Our mother did not make it, but I know our father will be the President of this country."

Tsvangirai took the opportunity to urge the electorate against rejecting the draft constitution in the referendum set for next week, adding his party would perfect the charter if it wins the harmonised elections later this year.

"The choice is clear, between the good and the bad, the past and the future, employment and unemployment. Let's not take advantage of people's age. I don't want to take advantage of my opponent's age; after all, he is my opponent all  the same," he said without mentioning by name President Robert Mugabe, who turned 89 last month.