OUTSPOKEN MDC Matabeleland South provincial chairperson Petros Mukwena yesterday demanded the immediate recall of party secretary-general Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga from the national assembly saying her selection was irregular. NQOBILE BHEBHE CHIEF REPORTER
Misihairabwi-Mushonga was transferred to Matabeleland South and subsequently included on the party’s list for the women’s quota in Parliament under the new proportional representation system.
She voted in Mawabeni, Umzingwane District in the July 31 elections after transferring her name from the Glen Norah constituency in Harare that she lost in the 2008 elections.
Mukwena yesterday told Southern Eye the province was fast losing patience with the leadership over the matter.
“As Matabeleland South, we are fast running out of patience over the issue,” Mukwena said.
“We are calling for her immediate withdrawal from Parliament.“We have enough women (in the province) to adequately represent us.“We don’t want grasshopper politicians to represent us. Her selection was a fraud and an insult to the province.”
He said the province had several options to explore if the national leadership failed to speedily solve the matter.
“We have Plan A, B, C and D on the table. We are told the secretary-general issue will be tabled when the national executive council meets, but as of now we understand the party has no money to call for such a meeting. We don’t believe that,” Mukwena said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
MDC national spokesperson Nhlanhla Dube downplayed the matter which seems to have divided the party.
“The MDC representatives in Parliament sworn in last week are as follows; Joyce Ndlovu and Misihairabwi–Mushonga from Matabeleland South, Jasmine Toffa and Tholakele Khumalo for Bulawayo,” Dube said.
“The party through its internal processes is always open and able to deal with any need for explanations that may arise as a result of these deployments.
“The party supports these cadrés and has full confidence in their capability and ability to deliver and stand up for the people of their respective constituencies.”
However, Mukwena said the ball was now in party leader Welshman Ncube’s court as “we have made our respectful demands”.
Nucbe was not reachable for comment yesterday.
The MDC performed dismally in the July 31 general polls securing only four seats, two in the Senate and two in the National Assembly, courtesy of the proportional representation system.
This was a far cry from the 10 House of Assembly and six Senate seats the party won in the 2008 polls.
