NewsDay Online team brings you live updates from the MDC-T rallies to be held in Mashonaland Central province ahead of the watershed harmonised polls scheduled for July 31.
Updates by Cecilia Kamuputa, Wonai Masvingise,Aaron Ufumeli, Tapiwa Zivira
17:15 – Councils and House of Assembly are introduced to Tsvangirai.
16:35 – “MDC-T government will enforce devolution to ensure equitable distribution of resources.”
16:30 – “Gold panners will be regularised and officialised for their safety.Farm workers should be paid and protected from abuse.”
16:23 – On violence, he says JOMIC, AU and SADC are there and he urges all party supporters to shun and report violence.
16:20 -Tsvangirai says no one is going to vote in the company of security officials. He says Mash Central is full of people who are seen as alien but can now vote.
People will have their privacy during voting MDC-T government will compensate those who sacrificed for the MDC-T struggle for democracy.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
16:17 – They will also try to curb corruption and looting in the diamond mining in Marange.
16:14 – MDC-T will work on social services, standard of living, clean water and better sanitation. Free primary education.
16:12 – “With a good road and railway infrastructure, Zimbabwe can be a hub of trade.”
16:10 – They will also spearhead infrastructure development (railways and roads).
16:00 – He says MDC-T will address the rural housing problems.
15:59 – He says they will reverse multiple farm ownership and put in place a rational land distribution system.
15:58 – He says some people in the farms are afraid of losing the farms, but promises that if they are producing food, they will not lose the farms.
15:56 – Tsvangirai says Zanu PF destroyed the agricultural sector and MDC-T will address the bread basket issue.
15:54 – He says Mugabe revealed he needs to rest but is being forced to remain there by his party.
15:53 – “We want a servant leadership that is in touch with the grass roots”
15:52 – “We do not just want power but we have a 5 point plan to restore Zimbabwe’s economic progress. We first have to address governance issues like the abuse of police power” – Tsvangirai.
15:50 – He says Zanu-PF bungled the voter registration exercise fearing first time voters would vote for MDC-T.
15:46 – “Inclusive government was meant to provide room for free and fair polls” – Tsvangirai
15:45 – He says SADC saved Mugabe by their facilitation process.
15:42 – He urges supporters to look back to 2008 when the country faced its worst economic crisis.
15:38 – Tsvangirai starts his address by thanking Mash Central supporters for being resilient in the face of Zanu PF retribution.
15:17 – Mangoma addresses, says the News Constitution was a move towards an MDC-T victory. He says the party is set to ensure equal distribution of resources.
15:11 – Party National Organising secretary, Nelson Chamisa takes to the podium, says MDC-T is poised fro victory.
15:03 – Proceedings continue with the introduction of the MDC-T provincial executive members. Zwizwai presiding.
14:55 – Tsvangirai arrives in Chipadze amid cheers from party supporters.
14:35 – Proceedings have started at Chipadze Stadium with Opening Prayers and introductions of those coming from various constituencies in the province. Tsvangirai is expected to arrive in a few minutes.
14:00 – Tsvangirai is accompanied by senior party officials Nelson Chamisa, Elton Mangoma, Murisi Zwizwai among others.
13:55 – Tsvangirai is due to address people in Chipadze Bindura at 1500 hours.
13:44 – In Bindura, MDC-T supporters in red regalia are all over town, preparing for Tsvangirai’s arrival.
13:40 – “If you need hope, vote for MDC so that we won’t go back to 2008. Kasukuwere closed industries and we will open them up”
13:37 – “There is a very strong element of fear among the people. My message is, fear has to be translated into hope of a new government and a new era”
13:35 – “It is a pity that the people of Mash Central are still suffering besides having fought in the liberation struggle.” – Tsvangirai
13:32 – Tsvangirai delivers a speech at the Rushinga Rally.
12:50 – Meanwhile there is a heavy presence of Zanu PF supporters sticking Kasukuwere’s posters on cars and buildings in Mt Darwin, some few Kilometers from where Tsvangirai is addressing people.
12:45 – Tsvangirai will pass through the Voter Registration center in Mt Darwin on his way to Bindura.
12:40 – People are also complaining that the 35-40 cents/Kilogram they are being paid for their cotton is too low and that they are not getting payments after remitting their maize crop to the Grain marketing Board .
12:39 – Issues raised by people include complications they are facing during voter registration.
12:38 – Prime Minister Tsvangirai walks around Rushinga Business Center, hearing issues from the local people.
12:24– Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has arrived in Rushinga.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is expected to address a rally in Rushinga in the next 15 minutes.
