MDC-T founder members, also known as MDC Veterans Activists Association (MDCAA),have vowed to resist calls by the opposition party’s top members to disband their group.
BY NQOBANI NDLOVU
This follows reports that the MDC-T leadership in Matabeleland wanted the association disbanded accusing it of fomenting divisions and seeking to hijack the opposition party’s programmes.
The MDCVAA was formed in 2008 to cater for victims of political violence and later changed its name to Veterans Activists Association. Of late, the organisation has been accused of pushing its members to occupy key posts within the MDC-T structures.
MDC T spokesperson, Obert Gutu yesterday said talks aimed at encouraging the group to regularise its membership with the MDC-T were on-going.
“It’s a storm in a tea-cup but I can safely say that consultations have been held, everything is on course. In terms of the MDC constitution, any organisation that shares our values can apply for affiliate status. They have asked for affiliate membership and deliberations are going on extremely well,” Gutu said.
MDCVA youth chairman, Giyani Dube, however, said the organisation will not disband or change its name, adding the group will continue fighting to grab top posts in the MDC-T to protect its members’ interests and safeguard the party from being hijacked by opportunists.
“It is, therefore, mischievous for others to suggest on behalf of the MDC national executive that MDCVAA members should not occupy party positions and vice-versa,” Dube said.
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“Instead, MDCVAA should claim and occupy more influential party positions to ensure there is institutional memory and that MDC found values are not massaged or dry-cleaned by brand new or latter day opportunists-cum-infiltrators.”
“Another lie peddled by our detractors is that VAA is a home for congress losers. MDCVAA has put congress agendas behind. These (MDCVAA) members) are now the watchdogs of the MDC, seeing that the party is united, focused on real change and carrying its founding values and practicing the constitution,” Dube said.
