Tsvangirai, Biti meet, tension written all-over

WARRING MDC-T factions yesterday came face to face for the first time since their fallout in February, but avoided each other in the presence of diplomats and the business community.

Embattled MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai, his former secretary-general Tendai Biti and suspended deputy treasurer-general Elton Mangoma met for the first time in the capital during the occasion of bestowing of former Harare mayor and businessman Muchadeyi Masunda with the Federal Cross of Merit.

He was bestowed with the honour by Germany President Joachim Gauck who was represented by Ambassador, Ulrich Klockner.

When the MDC-T faction leaders met, it was the body language and their avoiding of each other that spoke volumes of the intensity of the failed relations.

First to arrive was Guardian Council member Sekai Holland who the renewal team reportedly wanted to lead their cause. She was accompanied by Lucia Matibenga, a senior MDC-T official and former minister of public service.

Women assembly chairperson Theresa Makone was to arrive immediately after followed by Mangoma, who engaged in discussions with diplomats where he did much of the talking.

Next to arrive was Biti who was immediately followed by Tsvangirai.

The former Prime Minister greeted among others, Masunda and his family before engaging in a more than 10-minute-long discussion with Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni on business investment issues.

During the interaction, European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Aldo Dell al Ariccia, economist Eric Bloc and MDC-T official Eddie Cross mobbed Tsvangirai for discussions while US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton and other European business people were in a discussion with Biti a few metres away.

There was hardly a moment members of the two MDC-T factions stood and chatted with each other, an indication of deep-rooted acrimony between the two parties.

Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn leader Simba Makoni, who also attended the function, interacted easily with members of both factions and the business community.

Mangoma and Tsvangirai's relations turned sour beginning of this year after the former Energy minister wrote a letter to the ex-premier advising him to quit and allow for leadership renewal in the party.

But this angered Tsvangirai and his sympathisers who viewed it as a coup attempt.

Biti joined in the anti-Tsvangirai chorus and together with other leaders including some MPs and other officials, fired Tsvangirai from the party.

Other senior MDC-T officials that have called for the former Prime Minister to step aside include party treasurer-general Roy Bennett, former Harare mayor Elias Mudzuri and Marondera MP Ian kay.

Speaking at the occasion, Klockner said Masunda was the first Zimbabwean born person to recieve such honour.

Economist Eric Bloc got the same honour in 2002 while six others from Germany received the honour in the 80s and 90s.

Masunda said he was grateful for being honoured in such a manner and singled out Tsvangirai for making him mayor allowing him to revive Harare-Munich relations during his tenure.