HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has told embattled MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora that he is welcome to join the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) if he wishes.
Mwonzora has silently refused to join the POLAD band, instead choosing to advocate for a ‘neutral’ dialogue platform that is inclusive.
Mnangagwa who handed over 19 Isuzu D-Max vehicles to his cronies at the State House on Saturday has come under scrutiny for prioritizing luxury over essential services.
Mnangagwa on his part said that the cars he gave to the POLAD crew are what he had promised these principals way back so that they seamlessly implement national programmes.
“In terms of the protocols, the leader of the opposition has to meet the President. In the process, I said to him he is free to join POLAD although POLAD is for principals who participated in the 2018 Presidential elections,” Mnangagwa said.
National Constitutional Assembly party leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku defended the reception of the vehicles which observers say are bribes meant to silence the opposition.
“There are no favours here. POLAD is a lawful Government programme.
“The funds used were lawfully allocated for the purpose by Parliament,” he said.
On accusations that he had debased himself by clapping before Mnangagwa in gratitude, Madhuku added: “When you receive, thank the giver. It is the law of God”.
