Harare - Zimbabwe’s opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai has left for his routine medical care in South Africa as concerns over his failing health mount ahead of the upcoming national elections.
Pictures of a frail Tsvangirai, who battles aggressive colon cancer, emerged today after President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga visited him this morning at his Highlands residence in Harare.
“President Mnangagwa came just as President Tsvangirai was about to leave the country for his routine medical checkup,” Tsvangirai’s spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka said in a message posted on twitter.
“We thank President Mnangagwa for his gesture to come and pay a visit to the former Prime Minister of the land.”
Mnangagwa told journalists that Tsvangirai is “recuperating very well and he says he will soon be going back for further medical check-ups in South Africa.”
There has been an outpouring of sympathy towards the former PM after pictures of a frail Tsvangirai emerged today, with an MDC T top official, Job Sikhala urging Zimbabweans to pray for him.
“…Lets pray for him. He has been a courageous fighter against all odds… He has been our fighting soldier,” Sikhala tweeted.
Tsvangirai – a firebrand opposition leader - has been open about his battle with colon cancer compared to former President, Robert Mugabe who constantly flied to Singapore for medical attention.
He has been a potent political force against the ruling Zanu PF, and in 2008 won the first round of balloting against long timer ruler, Mugabe.
Zanu PF unleashed a wave of violence ahead of a run-off poll, forcing the former trade unionist to boycott the election. Mugabe emerged the sole winner, but the results were contested forcing the two to enter into a unity government between 2009 and 2013.
