The Sunday Mail
Senior Reporter
MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday attempted to overshadow the late national hero Oliver Mtukudzi’s send-off at the National Sports Stadium as he came face to face with protocol after being barred from entering the venue with his vehicle entourage.
Mr Chamisa and his security details had a standoff with security agents, after his team was asked to use the reserved VIP entrance and parking their vehicles before walking into the stadium.
This is not the first time that the leader has tried choreographed antics in a bid to be melodramatic at funerals.
Last year, he forced himself into proceedings during the late former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s funeral despite the late politician’s mother having declared that he was not welcome.
The Tsvangirai family accused Adv Chamisa of trying to grab power in the MDC-T at a time the family and party supporters were mourning.
Last week, Adv Chamisa turned the funeral of a Chitungwiza man who died during the recent violent demonstrations into a political rally having ambushed mourners ahead of burial.
But yesterday he came face to face with the realities of following protocol.
Security details manning the entrance at the National Sports Stadium barred Mr Nelson Chamisa’s entourage from entering the venue after an attempt to force its way through.
Chamisa’s team tried to resist but eventually capitulated, before leaving.
Yesterday, Chamisa’s media team tried to put a spin to the incident alleging that security agents at the gates were instructed to prevent the opposition leader from entering the venue. Interestingly, other opposition figures including senior officials from his party such as secretary general Douglas Mwonzora were allowed into the venue without an incident as they had followed the security protocols.
In his response to the incident, Media, Information and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said: He was not barred. All other dignitaries including ministers were parking their cars outside and walking in. But Chamisa refused and wanted to drive in. Security protocol did not allow this and he walked away. He was not denied entry.
“Chamisa is being a drama queen. A prima donna out to attract attention for the sake of it,” said Mr Mangwana.
On his twitter page Mr Mangwana said Government had no business barring people from funerals or any functions but protocol has to be followed.
“We are not a chaotic government. Let us not be consumed with pathetic narcissism.
“This weekend is all about Tuku.
“It’s amoral to be so self-consumed to the extent of trying to overshadow a deceased superstar on his own final journey and swansong. This is not the first time someone has disrespected a funeral.”
Organisers of the concert, the Zimbabwe Music and Arts Promoters Association said only vehicles in the funeral procession and service providers were allowed into the stadium. ZMAPA chairperson Mr Josh Hozheri said: “All vehicles were being parked outside. Even Minister Kirsty Coventry’s vehicle was parked outside.
“The only vehicles that went into the stadium were part of the funeral procession and those belonging to our service providers.
“Other opposition party leaders including Mr Mwonzora and James Maridadi entered the stadium without incident.”
