MDC-T Midlands structures in tatters as members defect

MDC-T Midlands North provincial structures are in tatters as more than 180 party members representing different districts of the province have reportedly defected to the faction led by Professor Welshman Ncube.

Party members said the defections were part of protests against the election of Costin Muguti as the provincial chairperson.

Muguti who is the Member of Parliament for Gokwe-Kabuyuni was elected the party's Midlands North provincial chairperson in elections that were cancelled more than twice owing to violence.

Party president Morgan Tsvangirai later visited the province during his Midlands industrial tour last year after, which, he imposed Muguti as chairman despite several pleas by some party members to have the elections nullified.

Chronicle learnt yesterday that at least 180 MDC-T members from different districts of Midlands North province had since defected to MDC.

Sources said Prof Ncube has been invited to an emergency meeting with party officials today at Gokwe town where he is expected to officially announce the faction's new "recruits".

MDC deputy national spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi confirmed the defection and the party meeting in Gokwe today.

"I can confirm that the president, Professor Welshman Ncube will be in Gokwe tomorrow where he was invited to meet and officially announce more than 180 members from the MDC-T who have joined us.

"You can as well be at Gokwe Centre tomorrow to witness the event than getting it over the phone," said Chihwayi who was speaking in a telephone interview from Harare.

MDC Midlands North provincial spokesperson Gorden Sibanda also confirmed the development.

He said among the defectors were former MDC-T's Midlands South provincial chairperson Cephas Zimuti and former provincial spokesperson, Rodgers Kamuswe.

"Virtually the entire MDC-T's Midlands North province is now with our party. Their former provincial chairman Zimuti is among senior executives who are now with us," he said.

Sibanda said the party's provincial executive welcomed the defectors and was now waiting for them to be officially declared party members by Prof Ncube.

"They have realised that MDC is a party of excellence with direction and a sound future for the nation. Due to the high numbers of defectors, a special meeting has been arranged for them to meet the president, Prof Ncube so they could be officially accepted into the party," said Sibanda.

Zimuti could neither deny nor confirm that they had defected en-masse to MDC.

"Come tomorrow to Gokwe and witness the event on your own instead of us talking over the phone," he said.

Sources, however, said Zimuti was behind all the defections after he mobilised other members to rebel against the party's decision to have Muguti stand as the MDC-T's Midlands North provincial chairperson.

"Zimuti is the leader of a rebel faction within the MDC-T Midlands North. He is among many other members who were not happy with the party leader, Tsvangirai's decision to confirm Muguti as the chairman despite all the violence that rocked those elections. Zimuti has mobilised other party members and they are now defecting to the other faction of the MDC," said a party member.

MDC-T national spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora did not answer his phone when this reporter tried to call him.
Muguti said he did not want to comment over what he called "mere rumours".

"I don't think it would be proper for me to comment over these mere rumours. Let's wait for tomorrow MDC meeting at Gokwe town and see whether what is being said is true or not. After the said members have publicly declared their defection before Prof Ncube, we will then give our comment," he said.