MDC condemns Nyoni's instruction to traditional leaders

The MDC condemns in strongest terms the statements attributed to Sithembiso Nyoni that traditional leaders must stop the MDC activities in Nkayi North. The MDC finds these statements very irresponsible and bound to incite violence and intimidation against those that are opposed to Zanu-PF.

These irresponsible utterances betray a party that holds traditional leaders in absolute contempt and show the level of moral decay within Zanu-PF that still wants to use traditional leaders to prop up their failing bid to buttress the dwindling political support throughout the country.

These statements are a reminder of the failed Rhodesian system of governance that turned the traditional leaders into spies of the regime.

The MDC is convinced that the quest for a just and a fair Zimbabwe has reached a point of no return and Zanu-PF will not succeed where Smith failed.

The MDC will insist at all times that traditional leaders are not only respected but also protected from being used and abused for personal political gain by those whose ability to engage in peaceful and issue based political discourse is greatly diminished.

We will within the ambit of the GPA challenge Nyoni's statements which fly in the face of and are a violation of the GPA to which her party is a signatory.

Nhlanhla Dube
MDC National Spokesperson.