Zanu-PF slams Tsvangirai over visit to Prophet TB Joshua

President Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF has ridiculed MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai for visiting prominent Nigerian-based prophet Termitope Balogun Joshua (TB Joshua), saying he should not seek political solutions in church.

Tsvangirai attended TB Joshua's Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) church services on Sunday, raising speculation that he was seeking divine intervention after suffering a heavy defeat to Mugabe in the July polls.

TB Joshua prayed for the former premier and when he laid his hands on him, Tsvangirai flopped into a chair.

Pyschology Maziwisa, Zanu PF deputy director of information, mocked Tsvangirai for visiting the Nigerian prophet.

"Everybody has a right to seek divine intervention," Maziwisa said.

"President Mugabe seeks divine intervention and so does (Barack) Obama. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with Tsvangirai seeking divine intervention. But it becomes questionable if someone goes to church to seek political solutions.

"Following his landslide loss, Tsvangirai is going to TB Joshua to seek for answers as his political fortunes continue to wane. This is wrong as his misfortunes can be addressed by reviewing his failed strategies that made him lose decisively to President Mugabe. With all due respect, nothing will change the fact that Tsvangirai is a compromised leader who will never win against Mugabe."

Maziwisa said the MDC leader should address his flawed policies if he wanted to remain relevant in the political landscape of the country.

"He can visit all churches in the world but nothing will change because the people know that he is a British puppet," Maziwisa said.

"Tsvangirai should know that he is seriously compromised on three fronts. The first one has to do with character. He is an immoral and clueless leader who has nothing tangible to offer the people."

"Secondly, his policies do not resonate with the populace and this was reflected in his landslide loss.

"Thirdly, Tsvangirai has no national interest at heart as he believes that we can only prosper with the help of a white man. Tsvangirai needs to address these political shortcomings if he wants to be relevant."

Luke Tamborinyoka, Tsvangirai's spokesperson could not be reached for a comment on Maziwisa remarks, but MDC spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora hit back at the Zanu PF junior spokesperson.

"Maziwisa is offside on the matter," Mwonzora said. "First we do not take any advice from Zanu PF because it's like Jesus taking advice from Satan.

"There is nothing wrong with a leader attending a church service. Mugabe attended Johane Masowe church services and wore their garments on more than two occasions.

"As such, Tsvangirai is not the first leader to attend a church service and Maziwisa should know this."

He added that his party still had confidence in Tsvangirai's leadership and the former premier was in Zvishavane today attending to the party's Midlands province's 14th anniversary celebrations.

Tsvangirai political fortunes have been on the decline after losing dismally to Mugabe and his party.

In the wake of the defeat, Tsvangirai has been brushing off increasing calls within his party to pass the baton.

Maziwisa said his party remains committed to fulfilling its manifesto and promises made to people.