Khupe congress in PICTURES

Ousted MDC-T Vice President Thokozani Khupe finally held the congress for her breakaway faction of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), but the relatively small crowd told its own story.

“Let me state categorically, that we make no apology about calling to order those of our comrades who have hijacked our party to further their goals and political expediency at the expense of the general populace who make this movement for democratic change such a glorious organisation to call home,” Khupe said in her acceptance speech.

“Constitutionalism is the blood of the party, democracy is the bones that it stands on, and our values are the flesh to this body we call MDC-T. This congress is, therefore, a clarion call to us to embrace constitutionalism and democratic principles,” Khupe added.

Meanwhile MDC-T Deputy Treasurer-General Chalton Hwende has branded the congress by Khupe and her allies a “fraud.” In a statement sent to Nehanda Radio, Hwende said:

“The purported MDC-T congress held by expelled former MDC Vice President Thokozani Khupe has demonstrated that whilst Khupe talks about constitutionalism daily she was willing to violate every clause in the MDC-T Constitution in a futile attempt to install herself as a party President.

“The so called Congress was not properly convened as provided for and the National Council did not meet to either authorize the Congress or approve the Congress Agenda. 

“Hundreds of people were bused from Harare, Masvingo and Bulawayo and were given free T shirts and money to pose as Congress Delegates.

“As a result some of the people elected into her Standing Committee are not even members of the MDC-T. It is abundantly clear that Khupe and Group have formed a new Party. The party constitution clearly spells out who attends our party’s congress,” Hwende argued.

Khupe (MDC) leaders elected 

Thokozani Khupe- President 

Obert Gutu – Vice President 

Linda Masarira- Spokesperson

Yvonne Musarurwa- Organising Secretary

Alfred Ncube- Deputy Organising Secretary

Abednigo Bhebhe- National Chairperson

Isabel Mwonzora- Secretary for youths

Lynette Mudehwe- Secretary General women’s assembly

Nickson Nyikadzino- Secretary General

Dr Hadebe deputy Security General

Chief Ndlovhu- Treasurer