TWO MDC-T legislators and two councillors yesterday defected to the MDC-Renewal team, as the fallout over the handling of the Bulawayo provincial elections continues to deepen. Nqobile Bhebhe Chief Reporter
The defectors accused MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai of watching helplessly as his deputy Thokozani Khupe and deputy national organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe engineered rigging of the provincial polls.
MDC-Renewal claims up to 500 people have defected to them from the MDC-T.
Among the notable defectors at the official unveiling were MPs Albert Mhlanga, former MDC-T women’s assembly chairperson Gladys Mathe and some councillors.
Senator Matson Hlalo and Binga North MP Dubeko Prince Sibanda were reported to have crossed the floor although they did not attend yesterday’s meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the new members, Mhlanga said the elective provincial congress, characterised by accusations of rigging, proved to be the final straw and they found it impossible to continue as MDC-T members.
“The provincial congress confirmed beyond any reasonable doubt that MDC-T no longer respects the norms and values of democracy and its own constitution,” he said.
Mhlanga claimed scores of hired thugs and street kids disguised as party members were smuggled into the congress as delegates. He said there was no attempt by party leadership to bring normalcy during the provincial congress.
- 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
Lobengula, Makokoba, Bulawayo East and Magwegwe elected districts members were allegedly barred from voting.
Tsvangirai was reportedly personally accrediting delegates to tacitly rig elections in favour of Banda. Mhlanga, who was re-elected as organising secretary, said his victory “sent the standing committee members panicking and shell shocked”, leading to him being manhandled.
He claimed that he tried to reason with Tsvangirai on seven occasions, but failed.
“It is for these and other reasons that we the members of the Bulawayo executive and all districts have decided to be part of the renewal. Five hundred former officials of the province and districts have directed me to speak on their behalf.
“By this very statement, we declare our resignation en masse from MDC-T.”
Meanwhile, chairperson of the MDC-T Renewal Bulawayo provincial working group, Kucaca Phulu said they did not attach much importance in vetting new members.
He said as long as the new recruits were registered voters and Zimbabwean, they were welcomed to the party.
“In this case, I do not need to vet Mhlanga and Mathe because I have worked with them for many years,” he said.
