THE MDC-T Makokoba district executive committee met on Wednesday and resolved to write to the provincial executive demanding the recalling of MP Gorden Moyo over suspicions that he was sympathetic to the party’s renewal team. NDUDUZO TSHUMA STAFF REPORTER
According to sources, the meeting was chaired by district chairperson and councillor for Makokoba, James Sithole, to reaffirm the structure’s allegiance to party leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
Moyo, who is also the MDC-T Bulawayo provincial chairperson, took a sabbatical in mid-March from all party-related activities to pursue his studies.
However, political observers saw the sabbatical as a strategic retreat to avoid being entangled in the infighting.
Tsvangirai sought to strengthen his grip on power by getting national, provincial and district leaders to stand shoulder to shoulder with him after calls for him to step down increased.
Southern Eye learnt that questions around Moyo were raised at the party’s meeting last Sunday when the province was reacting to the suspension of Tsvangirai by the Tendai Biti-led MDC-Team.
Sources said the provincial structure asked vice-president Thokozani Khupe and deputy organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe to shed light on what fate should befall Moyo.
“Bhebhe asked why people from other constituencies were complaining about Moyo yet Makokoba was silent.
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“He said maybe the people of Makokoba were happy with Moyo,” an insider said.
“A district assembly meeting was then called yesterday (Wednesday) where more than 300 people attended.
“Sithole asked the people where they stood following the weekend events and all of them were unanimous in their support for Tsvangirai.”
The source said the meeting was in preparation for the party’s provincial council this weekend.
“Sithole made it clear that the party was democratic and those who wanted to join Biti were free to do so,” the sources said.
“Sithole said the only feared person in the country was President Robert Mugabe who has an army and air force.
“It was raised in the meeting that Moyo was engaged in political activities despite taking leave claiming that he was pursuing studies. It was raised that even if he did not attend the meeting (that suspended Tsvangirai and his deputies), Moyo reportedly sent an apology saying he was committed elsewhere.
“We also understand that he attended a meeting organised by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents’ Association held on a Saturday yet he claims to be SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) and recommended Samuel Sipepa Nkomo to stand for him at a public meeting organised by the Bulawayo Agenda.”
The source said Moyo was accused of imposing Sipepa Nkomo as a guest of honour at a district victory celebrations party last December instead of Khupe, to prop him up.
“We had heard rumours that Moyo was eyeing the vice-presidency and Sipepa Nkomo would be national chairperson in the renewal team.
“It was apparent when Moyo imposed Sipepa Nkomo that he wanted to prop him up,” said the insider.
He said it was also surprising that Moyo took leave just before Tsvangirai came to address a rally in Bulawayo.
“It was, therefore, agreed that the district write to the provincial executive recommending that Moyo be recalled as legislator for Makokoba,” he said. “The letter would be handed to the province tomorrow (today).”
Councillors such as Collet Ndlovu of Cowdray Park, Thami Moyo of Luveve and two others are likely to be fired at the weekend for their suspected sympathy for the Biti group.
The meeting also resolved that Moyo’s team in the constituency like Jennifer Kamoa, Sonny Poya and Thandiwe Moyo also be fired.
Efforts to get a comment from Sithole were fruitless as his mobile phone was not available while Moyo’s mobile phone rang without being answered.
MDC-T acting Bulawayo provincial chairperson Dorcas Sibanda confirmed Saturday’s meeting, but said they had not received any communication from Makokoba.
“if they have anything I guess they will bring it to the meeting or before,” she said.
