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Zanu-PF slates Zim bishop
12/07/2004 16:33 - (SA)
Johannesburg - A Zanu-PF spokesperson in Johannesburg has launched a scathing attack on Archbishop Pius Ncube's activities in South Africa in the past few days.
The Zimbabwean archbishop was on a "misguided mission", said Gadzira Chirumanzu, Zanu-PF's SA secretary for information on Monday.
"Instead of building bridges, he seems to be agitating for chaos and insurrection. Surely, a bishop should have some modicum of decency."
Chirumanzu asked why Ncube was campaigning in South Africa for a free and fair election.
"In case the bishop is not aware, the elections will take place in Zimbabwe and not in South Africa."
He said the bishop was obviously on a fund-raising mission for next year's elections, and had abandoned his flock to become a full-time politician.
Outspoken critic of Zimbabwe government
Ncube had been openly invited to meet Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to discuss what he was telling the outside world about Zimbabwe, said Chirumanzu.
"Up to now the archbishop has not embraced the invitation".
However, he admitted that Mugabe had not actually contacted Ncube, relying on the media to advertise his "invitation".
Ncube, an outspoken critic of the Zimbabwean government, has been the subject of much media attention in the past weeks.
He spoke out strongly against African Union members last week, saying they did nothing, but "back each other up and drink tea".
Ncube also claimed the Zimbabwean government had lied about the amount of food available in the country, and warned of large-scale starvation.
Ncube has been in South Africa for the last week, where he has continued his public attack on the Zanu-PF.
"This habit by the archbishop to globetrot and, in the process, smear other presidents with unkind remarks on the Zimbabwe situation is unchristian and mischievous," said Chirumanzu.
- SAPA
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