Morgan Tsvangirai- full inauguration speech (11 Feb 2009)
The full inauguration speech by Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai.
11 February 2009
Harare
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Your Majesty, King Mswati III, the Chairman of the AU Commission, Mr Jean Ping, President Mugabe, former President Mbeki, Your Excellencies, Honoured Guests, People of Zimbabwe,
Today is an historic day for our country. As we form this transitional government, we look back withreflection on the difficult journey that has brought us to this day, and look forward with determination to the road that lies ahead.
To my fellow African leaders, there can be no turning back on the political agreement which each party has signed, knowing it is not a perfect agreement but still a workable one. An agreement that if implemented with good faith, will deliver a peaceful way forward toward a stable economy, a new constitution and free and fair elections. Brothers and sisters in SADC and the AU, we are counting on you to be our partners and to ensure that this agreement is upheld as we face the challenges of rebuilding our country in the days ahead.
Though today’s ceremony marks a very significant milestone on our democratic journey, it is only the beginning. On this day 19 years ago Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster prison, an historic step on South Africa’s long road to freedom. Read more
Of politics, politicians and our future
“There’s no virgin in a maternity ward,” says a Cameroonian proverb. After Thabo Mbeki’s ouster, which many, who are able to read the dynamics of politics, have known was coming for a long time, and the shenanigans from those involved in Zimbabwe’s power sharing deal, many things have been said.
Jacob Zuma has been accused of being power hungry. Many have observed how our own Arthur has delusions of grandeur where he is King- and it was quite apparent he would be so at any cost and compromise. But then let anyone who enters politics and does not want power cast the first stone. Read more
We have a successor to Nelson Mandela’s successor
Kgalema Motlanthe
Just like that, we are witnessing history in the making. The last time there was a change of presidents in South Africa, Thabo Mbeki was replacing Nelson Mandela. Now, it’s Kgalema Motlanthe replacing the former. A new chapter is being written in the history book of South Africa…
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SAPA- Newly elected South African President Mr Kgalema Motlanthe, who was sworn in yesterday, immediately announced his cabinet.
Mr Motlanthe was elected South Africa’s president yesterday, assuming what many believe will be a brief caretaker role after Mr Thabo Mbeki was ousted in a power struggle within the ruling African National Congress. Read more
Too cool, Thabo Mbeki
A cool move from Thabo Mbeki.
On Sunday evening I listened to Thabo Mbeki give his exit address. I was stunned that with just six months to go, the ANC had seen it fit to “recall him”.
Ok, in the last ten or so years that he has held office I have had my serious beef with Mr Mbeki.
His stance on HIV/AIDS. His stance on Zimbabwe. His apparent aloofness toward the common man. All these things made me think he was not the right man to be leading South Africa.
However, to his credit, Thabo Mbeki presided over South Africa’s longest period of economic growth. He was also, as far as I can tell, a man of integrity. As a friend of mine said, “Thabo Mbeki is many things, but corrupt is not one of them.” Read more
Zimbabweans react to GNU deal
Here are some of the reactions from Zimbabweans to the deal singing. There is a lot of uneasiness and caution, sceptism even. Perhaps on Monday when we all know exactly what’s been agreed upon we will celebrate. Read more
