Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai Sunday called on Zimbabweans to stop engaging in violent activities and be tolerant to each other irrespective of divergent political views.
Addressing mourners at the burial of MDC-T’s first mayor for Masvingo, Engineer Alois Chaimiti, Tsvangirai said although he leads a different political party, his regular meetings with President Robert Mugabe should be viewed as a model.
“I meet President Robert Mugabe every Monday and despite the fact that he has called me names on several occasions, we sit down and advise each other.
“If I and President Robert Mugabe can do that why can’t you all do the same?” he asked rhetorically. He urged supporters from different political persuasions to unite to develop the country.
Tsvangirai’s remarks came as the country gears for polls, with incidents of violence having been already reported in several parts of the country.
Sadc has already called on parties in the coalition government to address political violence and draw up a roadmap to free and fair elections.
The 15-nation regional bloc has also called on parties in the inclusive government to refrain from hate speech as a way of curbing political violence.
On the death of Chaimiti, Tsvangirai said his party had lost a dedicated cadre and urged party supporters to emulate the late mayor.
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“The late Chaimiti was very humble and his humility should be followed by us all,” said Tsvangirai.
Chaimiti was elected Masvingo executive mayor in 2001 after beating Zanu PF’s Jacob Chademana. He became the country’s first opposition mayor.
Chaimiti died on Wednesday last week at the age of 63 after a long battle with cancer.
He was buried yesterday at the Railways Cemetery in Masvingo.
He is survived by a wife and several children.
