Unverified reports have surfaced that Zimbabwean opposition leader and one of the founders of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Morgan Tsvangirai has died. It is reported that he died in South Africa early this morning and his remains will be flown to Zimbabwe tomorrow.
There has been no official statement from the the government or the family. Neither has there been any confirmation or denial of the reports now circulating.
https://youtu.be/j2-SrjpQCjw
The announcement that is yet to be verified was made on Thursday and heard by thousands during a live radio broadcast with Zimbabwean music playing on the background.
In the opening statement, the broadcaster breaks the news by stating that, “Morgan Tsvangirai died in South Africa today,” urging his listeners to stay tuned to the news for further information.
“Morgan Tsvangirai is no more. His remains will be flown back to Zimbabwe tomorrow,” said the broadcaster.
Morgan Tsvangirai was the leader and one of the founders of the Movement for Democratic Change (MD) party.
After expressing his condolences, the broadcaster points out the impact of the devastating news of Tsvangirai’s death on Zimbabweans.
“Tsvangirai is no more. We have lost a great hero” he reiterated, stating that his station is being inundated with messages of condolences and inquiries by bereaved listeners as to what happened.
Although one would question the inappropriateness of the lyrics of the song playing on the background in view of the nature of the announcement, the broadcaster who sounds like an MDC supporter or sympathizer then alludes to the late (yet to be verified) as “The President” saying he had been “ill for a long time.”
The last public image of the ailing Morgan Tsvangirai (2nd Left) with wife Elizabeth and usurpers Emmerson Mnangagwa (2nd Right) and General Constantino Chiwenga (R).
After consoling the grieving MDC (unsure which of the MDCs) supporters, he urged them to remain steadfast and not lose hope, pointing out that the late (yet to be verified) had “left us with [Nelson] Chamisa” to take the party forward.
“Rest in peace Tsvangirai,” said the broadcaster, “Only God knows” he added. His statement seemed to allude that the late (yet to be verified) opposition leader may have chosen a successor, the young and former radio DJ Nelson Chamisa as his successor.
The young Nelson Chamisa is a known MDC-T and Morgan Tsvangirai loyalist.
Although the controversial opposition leader, former Prime Minister and serial philanderer had become a political recluse who had lost relevance after his party was booted out of power in 2013, his contribution to Zimbabwean opposition politics will forever be part of his legacy.
The former Union leader turned politician, was part of a group that formed the Movement of the Democratic Change (MDC) in 1999. He successfully remained at the helm of the party eventually leading to its demise and what it is today, a fragmented party that has splintered into minor MDC opposition parties.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
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