A deputy spokesman for the smaller MDC faction led by Professor Welshman Ncube has claimed its leader has no intention of quitting politics and that the party is still intact and financially sound despite reports suggesting otherwise.
Kurauone Chihwayi told the weekly Zimbabwe Standard newspaper that “Ncube is still in control of the party and doing everything possible to motivate, energise and empower the MDC troops ahead of future political processes,” adding “He does not have any plan to retreat or surrender.”
Despite a spate of high profile resignations over the alleged imposition of Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga as Matabeleland South legislator under the women’s quota, a defiant Chihwayi said the party was “death and storm resistant”.
Early this month it was reported the party had laid off provincial drivers and shut down some of its offices countrywide due to financial constraints. Offices in Manicaland, Midlands North, Lupane and Chinhoyi were reportedly shut down under the cost cutting exercise.
“The party is in one piece and currently working on a plan of action that will shake and shock election fraudsters and those working on our demise,” Chihwayi told the paper.
But all is not well after the party recently expelled its Matabeleland South chairman Petros Mukwena and former Bulawayo deputy mayor, Alderman Charles Mpofu for criticising the leadership over the handling of the issue involving Misihairambwi.
Top officials, former Insiza South MP and national executive council member, Siyabonga Malandu Ncube, former research and policy director Qhubani Moyo and secretary for international relations Sondon Mugaradziko have also quit the party.
This comes on top of reports that the party’s Bulawayo secretary for the youth, Ntando Ndlovu, has resigned and national executive member Edward Mkhosi has threatened to quit in solidarity with the other members of the party who have resigned.
