Zimbabweans speak out on Mzembi’s loss
zwnews.com Reporter Simba Moyo
Zimbabweans across the political divide have aired their voices over Tourism Minister, Walter Mzembi’s loss for the UNWTO secretary general’s post.
Mzembi who was African Union backed, looked sure footed before the polls but lost to Georgia’s Zurab Polilakashvilli with 15 votes to 18.
His loss was heartbreak to Africa, with most of them wondering as to how it had happened, one citizen had this to say; ‘If it was held on African ground we would have thought the votes were rigged against our minister.’
Reacting to the news of his loss one citizen wrote; “ZANU PF is a viral disease that Zimbabwean voters and the international community have failed to eradicate.
“It destroyed a thriving economy which international sanctions failed to destroy in fifteen years of concerted efforts (1965-1980). This is why Dr. Mzembi is un-electable at UNWTO, even if he tries again in subsequent elections.”
Most Zimbabweans sympathised with their minister, using various platforms from street corridors, social media, to newspaper stories comments.
“It is a square peg in round hole. Where are you going now? You cannot defend a dictator and think you will win a U.N post my friend,” wrote another citizen in response to the news story that was published online by a local daily.
MDC’s Obert Gutu waded into the debate saying there was no way Mzembi was going to win because of his attachment to President Robert Mugabe and his ruling party who have earned themselves bad reputation across the globe owing to their human rights record.
“Zimbabwe’s battered international image, caused by decades of ZANU PF misrule and thuggery, has cost Walter Mzembi the UNWTO SG post,” he said.
The Zimbabwean minister managed to up his campaign, across the globe, looking sure to land the post, as the whole continent rallied behind the Zimbabwean, save for Seychelles who had thrown a candidate, but later withdrew saying it was now backing Mzembi.
