MDC-T national organising secretary Nelson Chamisa says the party is trying to convince Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs minister Eric Matinenga to reconsider his decision to quit active party politics.
Staff Reporter
Matinenga had anointed late academic and fierce President Robert Mugabe critic John Makumbe as his successor.
The two were very close and had entered a “deal” that would have seen Makumbe standing in as MP on an MDC-T ticket.
“I respect Matinenga as a man of integrity and honour,” Chamisa said.
“It’s very rare to see a politician who gives up power just like that. That person is a hero.
“I was surprised that the two had a succession plan in Buhera.
“I told Matinenga that since this has happened (Makumbe’s death) and he still was very popular in the constituency, he should revisit his decision.”
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The deal would have seen MDC-T avoiding primaries in Buhera West where Matinenga is the MP.
“The two had taught us a culture which is alien to some of us,” Chamisa said.
“You can’t tell some of us to leave our Kuwadzana constituency, it’s not possible and there are several other people who wouldn’t allow that.”
MDC-T secretary-general Tendai Biti said he had warned Makumbe against getting into politics describing the “game” as “sewage,” but was impressed by the witty professor’s courage.
Makumbe announced his decision to join active politics during the MDC-T anniversary last year.
The academic succumbed to a heart attack on Sunday and was buried yesterday at his Buhera home.
The MDC-T is crediting Matinenga for presiding over the completion of the constitution-making process as minister in the coalition government.
