Madhuku snubs Tsvangirai's call for a grand opposition coalition

NATIONAL Constitutional Assembly president Professor Lovemore Madhuku has snubbed MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai".

Prof Madhuku, addressing party supporters in Mkoba Village 9 on Sunday ahead of a council by-election for ward 12, said Tsvangirai must concentrate on rebuilding his own party.

"As NCA, we're a full political party. We'll never join other political parties. When we decided to become a political party, both Zanu-PF and MDC-T already existed.

"My decision to form a party is a clear indication that I'm not willing to merge with any party. MDC-T is trying to block us from becoming a better political party…," he said.

"Tsvangirai must focus on rebuilding his own party and not try to lure us to join him.  That's an insult to us. Leave us to forge our own path."

Prof Madhuku said the ruling Zanu-PF had the responsibility to transform the lives of the people and alleviate hunger and poverty in the country.

"Zanu-PF is the ruling party, therefore all other political parties that are clamouring for recognition by insulting other parties are not at all important. We will not give them attention. These other parties tried to remove Zanu-PF but they failed. Zanu-PF is the only party that we will be grappling with," he said.

"When we talk of employment creation, Zanu-PF is the one answerable. When we talk of hunger and poverty, again Zanu-PF has that responsibility to alleviate and avert them.

"That's the party you must ask about jobs and food. Forget about those other parties."

Tsvangirai has been reaching out to opposition rivals to join his MDC-T party.

The former trade unionist has convinced MDC99 leader Job Sikhala to rejoin his party.

Last Saturday, he paraded Edward Mkhosi and Siyabonga Malandu-Ncube - two former MPs in the MDC led by Professor Welshman Ncube - who have also answered his overtures.