Tsvangirai hits out at 'opportunist' rivals

MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has described MPs who broke ranks with his party to join the leadership renewal team led by "expelled" secretary-general Tendai Biti as "opportunists" seeking personal enrichment at the expense of democratic principles.

Addressing mourners at the burial of Japhet Karemba, the party's Mashonaland West provincial chairperson in Zvimba on Sunday, Tsvangirai said some MDC-T "martyrs", the likes of Karemba, did not fight the democratic struggle for money or positions, but stood for what they believed in.

"I hear some MPs who say they want to join the renewal team. Some of them got to where they are, including being able to sleep in hotels, because of the MDC. They are kicking themselves in disbelief now because of the MDC," Tsvangirai said.

"Some are opportunists who want money. Young people who look only at the monetary aspect are sacrificing their future. Until we achieve democracy, we will not tire."

Tsvangirai loyalists accused the Biti faction of being used by some elements for monetary gains at the expense of the struggle.

Ten legislators have so far ditched Tsvangirai accusing him of clinging to power and contravening the party's guiding principles.

These are Biti, Solomon Madzore (Dzivaresekwa), Paul Madzore (Glen View South), Moses Manyengavana (Highfield West),Willias Madzimure (Kambuzuma), Samuel Sipepa Nkomo (Lobengula), Bekithemba Nyathi (Pelandaba Mpopoma), Evelyn Masaiti (Proportional Representation), Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo), Reggie Moyo (Luveve) and Watchy Sibanda (Senator, Matabeleland South).