WITH speculation swirling that the MDC-T was headed for a second split in a decade following violent scenes that rocked the party in which senior figures were assaulted by unruly youths, national chairperson Lovemore Moyo was adamant that the disturbances were just a passing phase. NDUDUZO TSHUMA/ NQOBANI NDLOVU
MDC-T deputy treasurer-general Elton Mangoma and secretary-general Tendai Biti were on Saturday attacked by angry MDC-T youths allegedly aligned to party leader Morgan Tsvangirai for calling for leadership renewal.
The youths were incensed by the leadership renewal calls saying they were clandestine attempts by Mangoma and Biti to effect a palace coup against Tsvangirai with the help of Zanu PF functionaries to weaken the MDC-T.
However, Moyo said the “unfortunate” incidents of violence would be dealt with by the party’s leadership adding that there were no ideological differences within the party to warrant a split.
“That would be in my view over exaggerating a very unfortunate incident that occurred. As leaders we have capacity to deal with violent behaviour. There are internal processes that deal with anyone who behaves in a way contrasting with our values,” he said.
“I do not really see this incident in any way indicating to any split. They are incidents that can be dealt with. These are not ideological differences which lead to a split.”
Moyo said the MDC-T remained a social democratic party which shared a common goal and a common enemy in Zanu PF.
“As party leadership, particularly myself, we strongly condemn the incident. There is no room for violence in our movement. With regards to the unfortunate incident, it is an issue that took us by surprise as leadership.
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“I spoke to Mangoma after the incident and he explained what happened. I also spoke to the secretary-general (Biti) about the incident and expressed my solidarity. We do not want any member of the party to be beaten by another member.”
Moyo said they have had a history of violence at the hands of Zanu PF since 1999 and would not want to perpetuate that trend. “I cannot confirm whether the people who did that act are indeed bonafide members (of the MDC-T). It was a group of young people who were expressing disgruntlement with internal party processes,” he said.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) said the MDC-T’s credibility nationally and internationally would be greatly undermined if it failed to deal decisively with violence within its ranks.
In a statement, the CiZC condemned last Saturday’s assault on Mangoma and urged the party to probe the attack and bring the perpetrators to book.
“This incident presents the MDC leadership with an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to democratic values through ensuring justice for the victims, while bringing the perpetrators to book,” CiZC said.
“Failure to decisively deal with the violence in its midst will greatly undermine the MDC’s integrity and credibility nationally and internationally.
“We expect the MDC to demonstrate zero tolerance to violence by taking measures to bring the perpetrators of this shameful act to book and to send a clear message to everyone that violence will not be tolerated.
“Previously, intra-party violence in the MDC broke out in 2005 when the party split, and more recently ahead of the 2011 party congress in Bulawayo; this time we expect a very public process of discipline to nip this practice in the bud and prevent impunity,” CiZC said.
Tsvangirai, who has vowed to stay put despite calls for him to step down, on Sunday alleged there was a plot to remove him violently. He blamed State functionaries for infiltrating his party to cause discord.
