THE United Movement for Democratic Change (UMDC) is set to have a rally on Sunday at Stanley Square in Makokoba, Bulawayo, with anticipation and excitement growing ahead of the united party’s first rally.
Staff Reporters
Early in the week, senior members of the party held a “walk-about”, inviting residents to their inaugural rally.
MDC-Renewal team chairman Samuel Sipepa Nkomo, Luveve MP Reggie Moyo, former MDC-T Bulawayo chairperson Gorden Moyo, MDC-Renewal Bulawayo spokesperson Edwin Ndlovu, and former Bulawayo deputy mayor Amen Mpofu who is now Renewal team’s provincial chairman, led a team of supporters clad in green and orange from Bulawayo City Hall across town.
They went through the marketplace, Tredgold Building, Lobengula Street Mall to Egodini and back into town.
Speaking to Southern Eye during the event, Ndlovu said their leaders decided to come personally to invite residents to the launch.
“They said they did not want to send anyone, but come to the people and invite them to the rally,” he said.
“We are expecting a capacity crowd on the day.”
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The rally was initially scheduled for White City Stadium, but was last week changed to the much smaller Stanley Square because the stadium is still closed for renovations.
Meanwhile, the unified parties have independently begun consulting their respective structures on a new party name.
MDC-Renewal spokesperson Jacob Mafume said they had adopted a “bottom-up” approach in search of a new name.
“We are consulting all of our structures and other stakeholders countrywide, and we have adopted a bottom-up approach,” he said.
“The name should be such that it drives the party into a formidable, recognisable entity that will steer Zimbabwe into a new democracy.”
The MDC’s South Africa branch has embarked on a possible new name search.
The South Africa branch is engaging members on suggestion for the new name.
“The MDC branding committee is in discussion over new name, party slogans and colour or colours of the party,” he said.
“We encourage each of our branches to take time to give us feedback on their views.”
Mafume said on Sunday, during a combined rally in Bulawayo, leaders from both coalition partners would “articulate a new roadmap towards a free democratic Zimbabwe”.
“People should expect a fresh roadmap for Zimbabwe that will take the nation towards a thriving economy and true democracy,” he said.
