MDC-T president Thokozani Khupe rejected the temptation to attack MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa for snubbing a meeting called by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for all losing presidential candidates in the 2018 poll.
In an interview with The Herald Senior Reporter Tendai Mugabe, Khupe was asked her view on parties that chose not to attend the meeting. She responded:
An invitation is exactly that, one can choose to accept or decline. Our belief is that it is one’s democratic right to accept or decline an invitation.
The issue of proffering a reason is a matter of choice, informed by your social background. As a Kalanga woman, I was socialised to deal with invitations in a particular way. It would, however, be unfair for me to detect my social understanding and customs on others.
On my part, if I am invited to a wedding or meeting, usually there is an RSVP. I do respond so that my host or hostess can plan properly. I won’t impose my belief on others who may have their reasons for their actions.
Chamisa was among the 2018 presidential candidates who avoided meeting Mnangagwa at State House. Another notable candidate who did not attend the meeting was Joice Mujuru.