MDC-T youths in Bulawayo have started lobbying Bulawayo City Council to grant their party leader, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Freedom of the City of Bulawayo status in recognition of what they described as his sterling contribution in the struggle for democracy in the country.
The lobbying comes at a time when Zimbabweans are celebrating fallen heroes’ selfless contribution to the liberation struggle which eventually led to the country’s independence in April 1980.
If granted, the matter is likely to cause political tremors in the coalition government after the MDC-T-dominated council clandestinely blocked Vice-Presdient John Nkomo from receiving similar recognition early this year.
Addressing a Press conference at the MDC-T offices in Bulawayo on Friday, provincial youth chairman Bekithemba Nyathi said Tsvangirai deserved such honour given his contribution towards the fight for multi-party democracy and human rights.
“It is in this vein that we give special mention to the Right Honourable Morgan Tsvangirai for courageous and selfless commitment and sacrifice to the people’s democratic struggle,” he said.
“We, therefore, request the City of Bulawayo to honour such sacrifice and grant him the Freedom of the City honours.”
Nyathi said they were yet to meet the city fathers over the issue. Contacted for comment yesterday, Bulawayo mayor Thaba Moyo said the party had a right to suggest anyone of their choice to be granted that status.
“We have not received that information as yet,” he said.
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“They are free to make their request. The council has a committee which looks into these requests. It looks at the history of the person and contributions the person made to the city and the nation before granting that status.”
