84 abandon MDC-T to join Welshman Ncube

Eighty-four members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai have abandoned the party to join the smaller MDC faction.

The members, all from Bulawayo Makokoba Constituency, said they had decided to cross the floor to join Professor Welshman Ncube's led MDC because they had been insulted by Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe, the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area.

They also accused Khuphe of causing divisions and supporting Zanu-PF without the knowledge of the party and its leadership.

They also alleged Khuphe of neglecting the constituency and causing violence prior to MDC-T 2011 congress in Bulawayo.

Former MDC-T ward chairperson, Stella Takawira, said Khuphe had lost respect for the electorate which voted for her.

"Hon Khuphe is a disgrace to Makokoba Constituency, she dines with Zanu-PF members..." said Takawira.

Takawira alleged Khuphe had told the people at Stanley Square that political leaders come and go and that she had called them names. In addition, Takawira said, Khuphe, had failed to attend rallies held in her constituency including the Bulawayo Youth Assembly Day of the Africa Child Commemorations.

"As we speak right now, she has told us that she will not be standing as MP for Makokoba Constituency in the next election because she has found a better constituency and then you call that person a leader. More people are yet to defect from MDC-T because there is poor leadership that lacks democracy," added Takawira.

A youth who also defected to MDC, Simbarashe Chakawuya, claimed they had found a Zanu-PF's flag with the party's slogan on it in Khuphe's car.

"We got the photo of that flag in Hon Khuphe's white Benz and we sent it to President Tsvangirai but nothing was done."

Welcoming the defectors, who were issued with party cards and T-Shirts, MDC Bulawayo Provincial Chairperson, Oscar Ncube, said his party is welcoming them in good faith as they have come back home.

"We welcome you. l therefore urge you to behave, go and register to vote so that you remove stooge politicians and replace them with the people of your choice.  Elections will be held next year in June or after June as per SADC (Southern African Development Community) resolutions and there is time for you to register to vote so that you develop your constituency as the new constitution will guarantee devolution of power," said Ncube.

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