OPPOSITION MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, has disclosed that he has cancer of the colon and is undergoing treatment in South Africa. Tsvangirai confirmed in a statement yesterday that doctors, both in Zimbabwe and South Africa, had conducted tests and confirmed he had cancer.
BY RICHARD CHIDZA
“On May 8, 2016, my Zimbabwean doctors referred me to South Africa, where a further diagnosis revealed that I am suffering from cancer of the colon,” he said.
Tsvangirai missed a crucial MDC-T protest rally in Mutare last week, with the party saying he had gone back to South Africa for a routine review.
NewsDay has it on authority that Tsvangirai was flown to South Africa on Sunday, where he is likely to begin treatment, although his aides refused to comment on the matter.
Tsvangirai, in his statement, said he felt compelled as a public figure to disclose his health status in order to avoid speculation.
“However, a diagnosis of cancer is the first of several medical procedures that include treatment through chemotherapy, which treatment I began this week,” he said, paying tribute to his wife Elizabeth, supporters and Zimbabweans in general.
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“As a leader and a public figure, I have taken a decision to make public my condition. It is my firm belief that the health of national leaders, including politicians, should not be a subject of national speculation and uncertainty.”
Analysts immediately lauded the veteran opposition leader for his openness.
“It is very sad. I am saddened and hope he can overcome it; I spoke to him last Friday and wished him well,” academic and political analyst, Ibbo Mandaza said
“However, I must say his courage to be open like that is statesmanlike. Tsvangirai’s illness could be a rallying point for the opposition.”
Media scholar, Pedzisai Ruhanya also expressed sadness at the news, but said Tsvangirai’s disclosure would bring stability to the MDC-T.
“It will bring stability because it would have been almost impossible to run a party as big as the MDC-T on rumour mongering and suspicion,” he said.
“Now the rank and file of the party, whatever happens, are now aware of the status of their leader. It is a disease that can be overcome like (Thokozani) Khupe did.”
Ruhanya said Tsvangirai’s move to open up, at a time Mugabe has kept his health status under wraps, speaks volumes about the differences of their political ideologies.
“Mugabe belongs to the same group as traditional leaders — that is monarchical and authoritarian — where the health of the leader is a secret and even a death will take weeks to be revealed. While on the other hand Tsvangirai belongs to the new and democratic ethos of openness and transparency,” he said.
“We have been fed with the lie that Mugabe is being treated for cataracts, even when its apparent that he can hardly stand. But we have to accept that in his ideology it’s acceptable to hide illness and that is Zanu PF.
“It is rare for African leaders to reveal their health status and Tsvangirai has shown the way.”
Tsvangirai was taken ill early last month in what his handlers at the time said was treatment for “fatigue related illness”.
Critics immediately accused the MDC-T of copying Mugabe in refusing to reveal what really afflicted him.
Mugabe continues to receive treatment for suspected prostate cancer, but government officials claim the former guerrilla leader only suffers from eye cataracts and remains “as fit as a fiddle”.
Despite his condition, Tsvangirai intimated he was ready for the fight of his life and the political fight to rescue the country.
“This health condition is unfortunate, but can be faced by anyone. I intend to confront this development with the determination to overcome it. In the meantime, let us remain focused in confronting the national crisis we face,” the former Prime Minister said.
After leading his party in a demonstration against bad governance and corruption in Harare, Tsvangirai has failed to attend subsequent protests in Bulawayo and Mutare due to ill-healthTsvangirai joins Khupe, who a few years ago, disclosed she had breast cancer.
