The Sunday Mail
Investigations Editor
THE so-called grand coalition of opposition parties is failing to get off the ground as the various sides bicker over a way forward, The Sunday Mail can reveal.
Tendai Biti
This publication has gathered that Dr Joice Mujuru, who fronts the yet-to-be launched Peopel First formation, met People’s Democratic Party leader Mr Tendai Biti at her farm in Beatrice on Janaury 12 from about midday to 2:10pm but the latter turned her down.
People First spokesperson Mr Rugare Gumbo confirmed the meeting but claimed the pair did not discuss “anything to do with politics”.
“Mai Mujuru told us that Biti wanted to meet her and the two indeed met but Biti wanted to talk to her about his personal issues. Nothing political was discussed at the meeting which was held last week Tuesday,” he said.
On the other hand, Mr Biti said he never met Dr Mujuru: “I know nothing of that sort. I didn’t meet Mai Mujuru.”
Sources said Mr Gumbo and fellow People First functionaries Messrs Kudakwashe Bhasikit and Didymus Mutasa were present at the farm.
Sources close to the developments said Dr Mujuru — who was fired from Zanu-PF and Government for plotting to unseat President Mugabe — asked Mr Biti to join people first.
He reportedly told her to first form a real party before any talks could take place.
Dr Mujuru is understood to be nervous about challenging President Mugabe in the 2018 election and has been scrambling to build some semblance of a structured following.
A source said: “Biti met Mujuru after meeting Bhasikiti and Didymus Mutasa on several occasions. Basically what Mujuru wants is for TB (Tendai Biti) to jump ship and join their party as a strategist. They say they want his ideas.
“However, TB told them to launch first and then he can decide on whether to join them or not. Biti doubts Mujuru will be strong enough to withstand Zanu-PF. There are also fears in the Biti camp that Mujuru is still emotionally attached to Zanu-PF.”
Details have also emerged that another meeting was held between Mr Biti and Professor Lovemore Madhuku (National Constitutional Assembly), Mr Elton Mangoma (Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe) and Ms Emilia Mukaratirwa (Zapu) to find ways of forming a coalition.
Mr Biti was appointed chief negotiator with Dr Mujuru.
There are also efforts by some opposition quarters to get Dr Mujuru and MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai to unite.
However, nothing has yet to come of this with prominent MDC-T figures like Mr Nelson Chamisa reportedly opposed to such a coalition and in fact angling to oust Mr Tsvangirai.
