MDC-T Bulawayo acting chairperson Dorcas Sibanda faces ouster from the post, as infighting among party members angling to take over the position left vacant by deputy mayor Gift Banda following a Court ruling intensifies.
NQOBANI NDLOVU STAFF REPORTER
Sibanda, who is the Bulawayo Central MP, is the acting MDC-T Bulawayo provincial chairperson after taking over from Banda who was ordered to step down by the High Court last year on grounds that his election to the post was irregular and unconstitutional.
This followed a High Court application by Senator Matson Hlalo, who sought an interdict barring Banda from assuming duties, charging that he was cheated to the post.
Party sources said Sibanda, who has since taken over from Banda, faced moves to push her aside, with a cocktail of charges being levelled against her.
She is accused of bringing the name of the MDC-T into disrepute after she caused the arrest of a party youth member Donaldson Mabutho last year for allegedly insulting her.
Insiders said party members were pushing for provincial secretary, Nomvula Mguni, to take over. Mguni could not be reached for comment while Sibanda confirmed the plot to oust her, though she indicated she would not be pushed aside.
“We (MDC-T) cannot go against the constitution of the party,” she said.
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“The constitution says in the absence of the substantive chairperson, for whatever reason, the deputy chairperson, in this case myself, should assume the post in an acting capacity.”
Sibanda described plans to oust her as a waste of time by daydreamers.
“They cannot go against the party constitution,” she said.
“As far as I am concerned, it is unfortunate that there are people planning this unconstitutional move.
“I am the acting chairperson as mandated by the constitution and the party.
“I will continue calling meetings and conducting all other duties expected of the acting chairperson.”
Sibanda denied charges of bringing the name of the MDC-T into disrepute by causing the arrest of Mabutho for insulting her.
“I did not take the party to the court,” she said.
“I reported Mabutho to the police as an individual and, therefore, I do not see why it could be said that I brought the name of the party into disrepute.”
Mabutho was arrested last year on charges of sending offending messages to Sibanda via instant messaging service, WhatsApp.
