Moyo briefs diplomats on Renewal convention

Politics
AT least 7 000 MDC Renewal members are expected to attend the party’s inaugural elective national convention set for next month in Harare, secretary for international relations, Gordon Moyo said yesterday.

AT least 7 000 MDC Renewal members are expected to attend the party’s inaugural elective national convention set for next month in Harare, secretary for international relations, Gorden Moyo said yesterday.

By Nqobile Bhebhe

Moyo told diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe that all provincial conventions co-ordinated by the national convention committee would end by July 30.

“As per the convention guidelines each of the 12 provinces is expected to send 600 delegates to the national convention,” he said.

“Because of logistical problems the convention guidelines have waivered the number of delegates from external provinces.

“Only a few representatives and not the 600 shall attend the convention. Accordingly, 7 000 delegates are expected to be part of this inaugural convention.”

Moyo said the national convention committee had the mandate to receive input from the provinces on the party name, symbol, ideology, and the roadmap towards 2018 elections.

“Further, the committee is also receiving nominations from the provinces for the national leadership,” he said.

“The nominations to the national leadership shall be tabled to the party’s national council before being subjected to a vote by the national convention.

“In this regard, the names of the nominees will only be availed to the public after the national chairman’s report has been considered by the national council ahead of the national convention.”

The party policy committee led by secretary-general Tendai Biti is currently holding policy and constitutional discussions at provincial level.

“Both the economic blueprint and the party constitution shall be deliberated by the national council before being tabled at the national convention for deliberation and adoption,” Moyo said.

“The party is currently finalising its list of guests from fraternal political parties, embassies, labour, civil society and churches”

Biti has been tipped to be MDC Renewal Team’s first president following his nomination.

Former MDC-T women’s assembly boss Lucia Matibenga was nominated as chairperson), Last Maengehama (vice-chairperson) Solomon Madzore (national organising secretary), Reggie Moyo (organising vice-secretary) and Jacob Mafume (secretary for information and publicity).

Former Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya was nominated secretary for elections, Willias Madzimure (international relations), Evelyn Masaiti (women affairs) and Benson Ntini treasurer.

The congress will be held without Elton Mangoma, who formed his own party after a fallout with Biti.

Mangoma was instrumental in the formation of the Renewal Team after they broke ranks with MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai accusing him of dictatorial tendencies, womanising and being a bad organiser.