Mat South villagers back Makoni

Mawabeni: With just over three weeks to go before the country holds the harmonised elections no politician has visited the Matebeleland South backwater, yet people here are excited about the polls. Full Story Below

Simba Makoni [AFP Image]

Zimeye spoke to some of these villagers at the business centre of this rural community about 50kilometres east of Bulawayo.

The chairman of the local business association, Sani Sibanda who is also the village head said the most popular choice for president appears to be Dr Simba Makoni.

Dr Makoni and his allies in the opposition MDC Mutambara faction are the only ones who have put up campaign posters in the area.

Sibanda who runs a grocery shop said the people blamed country’s economic crisis on President Robert Mugabe and dismissed Morgan Tsvangirai as an opposition equivalent to the country's ageing leader.

Former Finance Minister, Dr Makoni and Mr Tsvangirai are posing the major challenge to President Mugabe’s bid for yet another term in office.

Dr Makoni’s entry into the race has particularly angered President Mugabe who has various described him as a double-headed monster, political prostitute, sell-out and a frog.

Fatima Ndlovu who sells perishables at the Mawabeni centre predicted a landslide victory for President Robert Mugabe saying the Zanu PF leader has empowered the poor with highly productive land.

Another trader however said the incumbent President is highly unpopular among people like herself who voted for him in the last elections.

Her sentiments were echoed by several other residents of this rural backwater which lies along the highway from Bulawayo to South Africa