Sydney Kawadza Assistant News Editor
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has once again come under fire for his statements that have been described as reckless.
The MDC-T leader took a dig at the media and the judiciary system during his traditional marriage ceremony at the Glamis Stadium.
Even Ms Locardia Karimatsenga, whom the PM customarily married in November last year, was not spared.
Addressing MDC-T supporters and guests at the ceremony at Glamis Stadium, the PM questioned the courts’ motive in stopping his wedding. “As a party, we follow the law. As a party, we don’t violate the law. But there are other people who would like to abuse the law for their own political ends. That we reject.
“That we condemn. Munhu haapiwi mukadzi necourt. Ungapiwe mukadzi nenewspaper? Newspaper rinozivei . . .?”
Prime Minister Tsvangirai also took a dig at Ms Karimatsenga while showering his new wife Elizabeth with praise.
“Uyu (Elizabeth) akandipa cent. Uyu ndichafa naye nokuti ndakapfimba ndega . . .”
He added: “Munhu kana aine dhimoni rake, rinoguma ravakudya mwana waro . . .”
This was taken to be a dig at Ms Karimatsenga who suffered a miscarriage in her seventh month of pregnancy.
She was carrying Mr Tsvangirai’s twins.
Political and social analysts yesterday condemned Mr Tsvangirai’s statements as reckless and insensitive.
They described the statements as both ill-advised and unfortunate coming from a national leader. Ms Karimatsenga’s lawyer Mr Jonathan Samkange also described the statements as reckless. “That is an extremely irresponsible statement. Have you ever heard of a court that has given someone a wife? The purpose of a court is to settle disputes.
“Being a Prime Minister of a country, that is the height of irresponsibility,” he said.
Political analyst and University of Zimbabwe International Relations lecturer Dr Charity Manyeruke described Mr Tsvangirai’s statements as a disgrace.
“This shows the kind of stress women go through when they are pregnant. It is the kind of stress that can lead to a woman losing her child. Men should support their partners during pregnancy and after such a disaster,” she said. Dr Manyeruke said it was disappointing that Prime Minister Tsvangirai did not show any remorse to Ms Karimatsenga after she lost her twins. “Losing a baby through miscarriage is a reality and not part of some evil sprits and Mr Tsvangirai should live in reality.
“His statements show that he is not in touch with reality, especially when women are losing their babies in our clinics and hospitals.”
Dr Manyeruke said Mr Tsvangirai should also take cognisance of Zimbabwe’s laws while respecting its judiciary.
“It is a disgrace to say that about our courts.
“Its part of our principles to respect the rule of law in Zimbabwe and it is his prerogative as a leader to adhere to the rule of law.
“Implementation and adherence to the rule of law should start with our leaders.”
She said it was important for Prime Minister Tsvangirai to understand the three systems of governance, that is, the roles of the executive, legislature and judiciary.
“It has also been our call as women for the customary laws of Zimbabwe to be recognised,” she said.
Media analyst and Midlands State University international relations lecturer Dr Nhamo Mhiripiri said the case between Prime Minister Tsvangirai and his wife was a wake-up call for Zimbabwe.
“Laws are constantly changing and this is our customary law defining itself.
“This is a moment where we realise that customary laws are respected and it is also a defining moment for women who have lost out because of customary marriages.
“Customary marriages were not getting much respect as they were regarded as unions and women lost everything when men decided to wed another woman.”
Dr Mhiripiri said while the case was an “embarrassment” to the nation it was for a good cause for women in Zimbabwe.
He dismissed Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s statements at Glamis Stadium. “His statements are neither here nor there because Ms Karimatsenga had a right to be heard.
“The same goes with the Prime Minister who has to exhaust all the legal processes.”
Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s wedding was cancelled on the 11th-hour after Ms Karimatsenga successfully interjected in court for his marriage licence to be cancelled.