Troubled Tsvangirai Urged to Withdraw from Public Life

WASHINGTON DC —  Some marriage counselors say former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai should take a low profile and engage marriage experts to mend his battered family and leadership image following reports that his marriage is on the rocks.

These counsellors say Tsvangirai, who is the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, is likely to repair his damaged public status if he withdraws from public life and engage experts.

His wife, Elizabeth Macheka, is said to have walked out of the marriage, claiming irreconcilable differences. The two got married last year following some conflicts with his traditionally-wedded wife, Locardia Karimatsenga Tembo.

Tsvangirai's childhood wife, Susan, died in a car accident in 2009.

Reports say a woman based in South Africa, who claims to be Tsvangirai’s former lover, is planning to publish a book about their alleged affair.

Bulawayo-based marriaged counsellor Reverand Ray Motsi of the Baptist Church says time has come for Tsvangirai to think about taking a low profile to fix personal challenges.

"A person in his position right now needs to take time to withdraw from public life and talk to marriage expertsause people are will no longer take his seriously," said Motsi.

Interview With Rev. Ray Motsi

His views are echoed by Bishop Paul Verryn of the Johannesburg Methodist Church, who believes that Tsvangirai’s complicated social issues are now affecting many Zimbabweans, including his children.

"In such cases children normally suffer more than parents and as such there is need for Tsvangirai to engage experts on this issue. Right now, there is a lot that is going on," said Bishop Verryn.

Interview With Bishop Paul Verryn

Tsvangirai’s spokesman Luke Tamborinyoka says it is impossible for the MDC-T leader to take a low profile.

"There are many issues that need his attention in this country. So, it's impossible for him take a low profile," said Tamborinyoka.

Interview With Luke Tamborinyoka