'Grace Mugabe is a liar', MDC, MKD reject accusations

Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC and Simba Makoni's Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn (MKD) parties have both rejected accusations by First Lady Grace Mugabe that the opposition parties were formed at Vice President Joice Mujuru's house.

While MKD spokesperson Evans Sagomba strenuously denied the allegation saying the issue will be exhaustively clarified at a Tuesday press briefing by Makoni, MDC spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora said Grace was lying and should stop trying to rope the MDC into Zanu-PF fights.

"It's absolute rubbish," Mwonzora told a news conference at the Harvest House party headquarters in Harare yesterday.

"This is a wild accusation. MDC was not formed in a private place. The processes that took place before the formation of MDC were held in public arenas.

"The idea was first mulled by the ZCTU and then we had our national working people's convention and other meetings ensued before the launch of the MDC.

"So it is wild for the first lady to try and link the MDC to Mujuru.

"The party was formed after the realisation that a black government can also be oppressive just like a white government under Ian Smith."

Mwonzora added: "We are glad that Grace is dismantling Zanu-PF for us and we thank her."

Turning to the forthcoming MDC congress, Mwonzora said the party's national executive that met yesterday received a report about the nominations and the verdict was that they were free and fair.

Tsvangirai, his deputy Thokozani Khupe, national chairman Lovemore Moyo and deputy secretary-general Paurina Mpariwa face no challenge.

Morgen Komichi and Gift Chimanikire will tussle it out for the vice chairman post.

Organising secretary Nelson Chamisa and Mwonzora will battle it out for the secretary-general post, while Theresa Makone and Tapiwa Mashakada will slug it out for the treasurer general post.

Obert Gutu will square off with Mwonzora for the national spokesperson post.

Mwonzora said those nominated for two posts will be given one week to choose one.