By Dr Takavafira Zhou

8 May 2020

Perturbed by the shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe.

Realising that MDC Alliance and MDC-T contested as two distinct political parties in 2018 elections and both had subsequent Congresses in 2019 and 2018, respectively

Noting Zanu PF consented efforts to decimate a credible political opposition in Zimbabwe, in the form of MDC Alliance.

Baffled by deliberate attempts to conflate MDC, MDC-T and MDC Alliance for Zanu pf political expediency.

Recognising the SC judgement which although moot and academic, is restricted to MDC-T and not MDC Alliance

Concerned by the monumental injustice where MDC-T has been assisted by its masters, viz, Zanu pf to recall three MDC Alliance Mps (Hon Tabitha Khumalo, Hon Mutseyami and Hon Hwende), and a Senator (Hon Timveous)

Now therefore as MDC Veterans and custodians of our institutionary memory:

-Deplore and denounce the recall of MDC Alliance deployees as heinous, malodorous, an act of provocation, if not open declaration of war by Zanu PF through its proxies.

-Declare that the recall has no locus standi and must be resisted by all democratic means possible.

-Amplify that the name MDC does not belong to Khupeists, Mwonzoraists or Komichists (who are currently abusing it), but to many democrats who are dead, many democrats who are still living, and many other democrats who are yet to be born. It is in the courts of the people that the name must be contested. That contest has long been determined, sealed and consummated in the May 2019 Gweru MDC Alliance National Congress.

• Reiterate our support for the MDC Alliance under President Chamisa as the legitimate President of the MDC Alliance, out of the May 2019 Gweru National Congress and indeed with a mandate to run the affairs of the party until 2024.

-Urge the MDC Alliance to realise fully the act of provocation and declaration of war by Zanu pf and be ready to engage in war of attrition in defence of their democratic space and egalitarianism.

-Commit our services at the disposal of the party in navigating the landmined democratic path that we embarked on in 1999.

-Reiterate our long held view that those who wish MDC Alliance away are in for a rude awakening, as it is here to stay and grow by leaps and bounds.

The blood of our departed veterans, and in particular that of our iconic founder leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, will continue to water our spirit of liberty and egalitarianism.

No amount of classical diversionary device of dictators, chicanery, brutality and force can stop an idea whose moment is up.

The MDC Alliance must remain vigilant and resilient every time. The people’s project must be fulfilled in our life time. Life is too short to spend it in misery. At any rate the darkest hour is just before dawn.

Dr Takavafira M. Zhou (VAA DSG)

For and on Behalf of MDC Veterans.