Tsvangirai upsets Khupe endorses Dorcas Sibanda as provincial chair

At the meeting yesterday, leader Morgan Tsvangirai reportedly reiterated that Bulawayo Central legislator Dorcas Sibanda was acting provincial chairperson much to the chagrin of members aligned to deputy party president Thokozani Khupe.

Tsvangirai, sources said, told party supporters that there won't be a change of leadership in the party until their respective terms end at the 2018 congress.

"Tsvangirai also spoke against violence in the party saying perpetrators must be taken to task," said a source.

His visit comes after the party last week resolved to send an arbiter general to resolve the divisive issue of the provincial chairperson's post.

The arbiter reportedly arrived in the city last Friday and is still consulting party members.

Sources said Khupe did not attend yesterday's meeting, bringing to three the gatherings addressed by Tsvangirai that she has snubbed in about three weeks.

Khupe has reportedly fallen out with Tsvangirai after her alleged campaign for the party to contest in the June 10 by-elections resulting in some members holding a demonstration early this month denouncing her.

She was threatened by pro-Tsvangirai members with further humiliation if she attended the Masvingo weekend meeting.

Khupe also didn't attend the party's Harare rally last week.