Tsvangirai Turned into Whipping Boy for Others’ Sins

On June 20, 2009 MDC President, Morgan Tsvangirai, made his disastrous “come home” speech that has become major thorn in the flesh of many Zimbabweans in the diaspora. In his speech at the Anglican Cathedral in Southwark Mr Tsvangirai said “Zimbabweans must come home!” This speech came just after speaking to then foreign secretary David Miliband. The crowd at Southwark jeered him chanting “Mugabe must go!”

Many diasporans were concerned that Zimbabwe was not safe.  It has now transpired that the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) is now using that speech as a pretext to deport Zimbabweans who had sought refuge in the United Kingdom. Mr Tsvangirai himself has been on record numerous times bemoaning making such a speech. 

What on earth could have possessed Mr Tsvangirai to utter such foolishness in Southwark on that fateful day? On March 6, 2009, three months before this speech, Mr Tsvangirai was involved in a near fatal automobile accident that claimed the life of his wife of 31years, Susan. This crash was widely believed to be the work of the notorious Central Intelligence Organisation’s dirty tricks department. Soon after the accident Mr Tsvangirai was visited by rival, Mr Mugabe.  It is my belief this is the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Picture This

Mr Tsvangirai missed death by a whisker learns his loving wife of 31 years has been killed. He closes his eyes in traumatised, anguished grief and when he opens them he sees one Robert Mugabe looking down at him. Given that scenario one can understand why Mr Tsvangirai wasn’t thinking straight. It makes sense he could have been suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or “buka” in Shona.

The Real Villains

There are two villains in this deportations saga. First of all Theresa Makone the Co-Home Affairs Minister on March 3, 2012 said “Don’t worry about deportations for now... Let’s talk about deportations next year after the election when I’m Home affairs Minister.”  Mrs Makone said she’d spoken to then Minister of State for Immigration Damien Green who had given her these assurances. (For proof follow this link: http://youtu.be/HqZpstB4xsw  )This gave those who had asylum cases that had been refused the false hope that they had plenty of time to appeal.

Reports of failed asylum seekers being drugged and man-handled during renewed deportations caused a stir in November 2012. When asked for a response on this, the UKBA blamed Mr Tsvangirai’s 2009 statements. It should be noted that they did not respond to the allegations of drugging and manhandling.  It is clear that the UKBA prefer the policy of “divide and rule”. By blaming Mr Tsvangirai’s historic statements, the UKBA has chosen to abdicate its fiduciary role in treating Zimbabweans according to current information on the ground. Political violence and threats thereof are being reported daily. Concerns are also rising because of state intimidation of civic organisations.

The UKBA has outdone itself in accomplishing turning Mr Tsvangirai into a vilified hate figure. They reneged on their promises to Mrs Makone to desist from deportations. Ultimately it was the UKBA’s decision to renew deportations to an unsafe area.  Their statements blaming Mr Tsvangirai is divisive at best and thoughtless at worst.

Audrey Charowa

Vice Secretary

MDC South East District