Tsvangirai's absence to take off shine of Bulawayo demo

Indications are that the MDC-T President Morgan Tsvangirai is set to skip his party's Saturday demonstration in Bulawayo or if he attends, he will not have a meaningful role to play as Thokozani Khupe will give the keynote address after the demo.

In a press release the MDC-T advised that, "All roads lead to Bulawayo tomorrow (Saturday, 28 May 2016) for the Provincial Protest March against poverty, joblessness, corruption, misgovernance and human rights abuses. The MDC Vice President will thereafter give a keynote address."

About 10 000 people are expected to take part.

Tsvangirai issued a statement Wednesday updating "fellow Zimbabweans" on his condition.

He is 'recovering' in South Africa from undisclosed ailment.

"I may be indisposed, but I am more worried about my country and its economy that seem to be in a far much worse state than my personal state of health."

He added "Rest assured, I am on the path to full recovery and I will be joining you soon to continue with the struggle for freedom, peace, democracy and national prosperity".

MDC-T officials in Bulawayo said the their ailing leader will lead Saturday street protest in Bulawayo from the front.

Addressing a press briefing this afternoon, MDC –T National Organising Secretary, Abedinico Bhebhe said Tsvangirai would be available.

"I assure you all MDC-T leadership including myself and president (Tsvangirai) will lead from the front. Mark my words," said Bhebhe.

Some officials think Tsvangirai's absence 'could take off some shine' on the demonstration.

"Morgan is the single face of the party. His absence will definitely affect the spirit of the demo" said one official.

He however questioned his boss choice of traveling to South Africa for treatment, shunning local health facilities.

"He is just the same as his rival (President Mugabe).

"Morgan always complain that Mugabe is seeking treatment in Singapore yet he is in South Africa. What is he saying about local health care?".