Smear campaigns intensify ahead of MDC-T congress

Jostling for top posts in the MDC-T has reportedly led to the creation of two distinct camps, which are both engaged in smear campaigns, ahead of the party's elective congress this month end.

MDC-T insiders said the camps were being led by organising secretary Nelson Chamisa and party spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora, who are both vying for the secretary-general's post.

Sources said Chamisa, who has already been endorsed by five out of the party's 12 provinces, is being supported by acting secretary-general Tapiwa Mashakada, while Mwonzora has the backing of Theresa Makone, who is eyeing the treasurer-general's post.

Chamisa has emerged as the front-runner after he was unanimously nominated in Mashonaland Central, Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Harare and Chitungwiza provinces.

Mwonzora is yet to get a nomination from any of the provinces for the post. So far party leader Morgan Tsvangirai, his deputy Thokozani Khupe, chairman Lovemore Moyo and his deputy Morgen Komichi have been nominated in all the five provinces.

Sources in the MDC-T said several provinces in Midlands and Matabeleland were pushing for Moyo to be the party's vice-president and Khupe to be the deputy chairperson of the party as they accused her of fanning disunity in Matabeleland structures.