Tsvangirai to lead grand coalition against Mugabe?

Opposition figures have thrown their weight behind MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai saying he has the credentials to lead the envisaged grand coalition that observers say could end Zanu-PF's near four decade rule.

Speaker after speaker spoke glowingly of the former trade unionist during celebrations to mark the MDC's 17th anniversary.

Fellow opposition parties were in attendance at the mega celebrations that were held in Bulawayo on Saturday.

The Joice Mujuru-led Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) was represented by former Energy minister Dzikamai Mavhaire, had nothing but praise for the indefatigable Tsvangirai, the only man who has ever beaten President Robert Mugabe in an election.

Mavhaire described Tsvangirai as a solid opposition figure who has been able to withstand the trials and tribulations of the treacherous local politics that are often characterised by violence and intimidation.

"We are just joining opposition politics but we are following in your footsteps, we are learning a lot and your courage inspires us. It is never easy to get united but the leadership of Tsvangirai is inspiring. As People First we agreed that all forces that are fighting for the removal of Mugabe are important to us," Mavhaire said.

Tsvangirai and Mujuru have formed a formidable tag-team that has led demonstrations against Mugabe over the past three months.

The two are presently under pressure to form a coalition amid concerns that time could be running out.

Zimbabwe plunges into elections in two years' time and Zanu-PF is desperate to ensure that the grand coalition comes to naught.

Speaking at the same function former Zanu-PF chairperson for Mashonaland West province Temba Mliswa, who now leads the Youth Advocacy for Reform and Democracy (Yard), said there is no doubt that Tsvangirai has what it takes to lead the much-hyped grand coalition.

"The secret that I have for Zimbabweans is that we have to rally behind Tsvangirai in our own different ways," Mliswa said to a rousing applause.

"I am not saying this because I am looking for something and mind you I also want to be president but before we do that why can't you support one person, let's put Morgan Tsvangirai in power first then we fight for other positions later," Mliswa said.

"As for me president Tsvangirai, I am an honest person, I ... admire your courage, to me courage is important even the Bible talks about courageous leadership.

"I am here for the second time to celebrate your anniversary not because I like MDC but I associate with progressiveness of MDC.  I am somebody who can equally start my own party but I don't see a reason when there is a like-minded organisation which is worth to support," Mliswa said.