THE MDC-T faction loyal to party leader Morgan Tsvangirai has elected a new provincial executive in Masvingo after almost the entire leadership sided with secretary-general Tendai Biti’s group. Tatenda Chitagu OWN CORRESPONDENT
Those backing Biti are provincial chair Wilstuff Sitemere, organising secretary Ernest Mudavanhu, provincial secretary and former Deputy Youth Minister, Tongai Matutu, provincial youth chair Oliver Chirume, provincial spokesperson Harrison Mudzuri and national executive member Jefferson Chitando.
Bernard Chiondegwa is the new chairperson taking over from Stemere who attended Biti’s Mandel training centre meeting that “suspended” Tsvangirai.
Chiondegwa beat veteran trade unionist James Gumbi by 210 votes against 145.
Gumbi was later appointed provincial representative in the national executive. He replaced former Masvingo Central legislator Chitando who was the Masvingo representative in the national executive. Chiondegwa is deputised by Charles Muzenda who replaces Rensom Makamure.
Former Masvingo Urban MP Matutu has been replaced by Tichinani Mavetera as provincial secretary.
Dusty Zivave is the new provincial spokesperson while Philip Chingini was elected youth assembly chairperson to replace Oliver Chirume.
Tachiona Chiminya landed the organising secretary position, while former Masvingo mayor Femias Chakabuda and Boas Manyanye — who remained loyal to Tsvangirai — retained the positions from the previous executive as treasurer and secretary for elections respectively.
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MDC-T deputy national organising secretary Abedinico Bhebhe presided over the elections saying the “rebels” had automatically expelled themselves from the party.
He said Tsvangirai was still committed and able to unseat President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF party.
“The president (Tsvangirai) has never failed the MDC . . . those who say so have failed the party and themselves,” Bhebhe said.
“They will go into the political dustbins. The MDC-T is still committed as a party to a peaceful democratic transition under the guidance of our dear leader, Tsvangirai.”
