Tsvangirai to attend Mnangagwa inauguration

MOVEMENT for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai was Thursday said to have received a last minute formal invitation to Friday's inauguration of Zimbabwean president designate Emmerson Mnangagwa as it was revealed that Robert Mugabe would miss the event.

Tsvangirai inauguration invitation only delivered at 19:15 pm on Thursday by Information ministry permanent secretary Bright Matonga to attend.

Charamba confirmed that the deposed 93-year-old would not be at the National Sports Stadium on Friday after the two leaders conferred over the matter.

"Both of them agreed that the former President needed time to rest after the hectic events of the week-and-a-half that has gone by and that therefore he may not be attending tomorrow's inauguration.

"He (Mugabe) gave the incoming President his good wishes and support."

The overture to the MDC-T leader was made as suspense continues to grow over Mnangagwa's plans about the opposition's participation in his government.

Tendai Biti's party spokesperson Jacob Mafume said they were not invited. "The only invitation that I saw is the general invitation of all parties," Mafume said.

MDC source says: "The opposition has not been approached to be part of the transitional deal.

"Looks like ZPF only wants a coalition with war vets, gamatox and disgruntled Zapu."