Tsvangirai's MDC warns of tough times ahead

ZANU-PF has failed to manage the economy and the masses should start stocking up as "trouble" lies ahead, MDC-T shadow minister for labour, Paurina Mpariwa has said.

Mpariwa told journalists that the ruling party had failed to turn around the economy which was now in the doldrums. She said Zimbabweans should brace for tough times ahead.

"The general public should be very worried and should start stocking up because there is big trouble ahead and we need to be prepared for the worst," said the MDC-T official.

Flanked by the MDC-T national organising secretary, Nelson Chamisa and party spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora, the shadow minister said the government had let down civil servants.

She berated threats made by the minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Nicholas Goche who recently warned civil servants against conducting an illegal strike.

"The MDC-T notes with serious concern the unwarranted threats made by Goche against civil servants who intend to engage in an industrial action over their pay and welfare disputes," she said.

Mpariwa said the constitution clearly specified that every employee had a right to participate in collective job action, including the right to strike, withdraw their labour and to take other similar collective action.

"Instead of making unconstitutional threats to the already suffering government workers, Goche should implement and honour his party's promises made during the 2013 elections. Zanu-PF should stop paying lip service to the clear rights of civil servants to receive increased and back dated salaries," she said.

Chamisa said his party was totally against the recently presented 2014 budget and would not be party to it.

"We do not subscribe to such a budget which has nothing to offer to the general populace. During the inclusive government civil servants got their salaries on time and bonuses too," he said.

The MDC-T also reiterated its calls for fresh elections to resolve to the current economic situation.

"Until fresh elections are held and a proper government in place things will remain as they area and investors will continue to shy away the country," said Mwonzora.

Zanu-PF spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo could not be reached for comment. But the party recently said it was wishful thinking to expect that fresh elections will be held after Zanu-PF thoroughly beat the MDC-T in the July 31 elections.