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MDC-T top brass clash over Job Sikhala

by Staff reporter
20 Oct 2014 at 06:15hrs | Views
Still recovering from its second damaging split inside a decade, Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC-T is once again faced with another risk of disintegration, this time over the role of the 'prodigal son' Job Sikhala.

Having left Tsvangirai's faction in October 2005 after his acrimonious split with then secretary-general Weshman Ncube, Sikhala came back early this year to shore up the former labour leader's fortunes following his fall-out with another secretary-general, this time Tendai Biti.

However, despite having been nominated by at least five provinces to take up the position of deputy organising-secretary, the MDC-T national executive barred Sikhala from "the party standing committee" according to information chief Douglas Mwonzora.

"He was not barred altogether, he can take a position from the national executive going downwards but not in the standing committee," Mwonzora said yesterday.

However, The Zimbabwe Mail has reliably been informed that the stormy national executive meeting at the weekend saw deep division apparently rearing its ugly head again.

"The divisions are clear, a group led by Nelson Chamisa (organising-secretary) and that comprises national chairperson Lovemore Moyo, former youth chairperson Thamsanqa Mahlangu and ex-Cabinet minister Henry Madzorera openly opposed Sikhala's nomination and demanded that he be stopped from contesting for a standing committee position, given his history of rebellion," an insider who attended the meeting said.

"Mahlangu tore his shirt and vehemently asked Tsvangirai to act and stop the infiltration by the likes of Sikhala and other former rebels and was supported by Moyo and Madzorera".

Chamisa has denied leading any faction and pledged his undying allegiance to Tsvangirai.

It is understood, however, that Tsvangirai wants Sikhala to contest and was taken aback by the clear show of hatred by the group and is mulling his next move regarding the issue that might include overturning the decision of the national executive.

This once again sets the stage for another bruising battle of wits after his push for constitutional changes, that would have concentrated power in his office including appointment of the secretary-general to stem the tide of splits, fell flat last month.

Mwonzora could not be drawn into commenting on the near riotous situation at the meeting.

"Everything that happens in our internal meeting, besides that which we reveal to the media and other stakeholders, remains confidential information which those allowed to attend such meetings remain privy to. But I am not sure if whoever your source is attended the meeting in question," said Mwonzora.

A defiant Sikhala said he would fight the ban.

"If they think I will back down then they have another thing coming. They allowed me to be nominated because they did not reckon I would still be this popular 10 years after leaving them. They are shocked and now want to use Machiavellian tactics to stop me.

"I am going to appeal to the national council and if that fails then directly to congress," the former St Mary's lawmaker said.

Mwonzora said Sikhala has a right of appeal.

"Anybody who is aggrieved by whatever decision the national executive has made is free to appeal to the same body, the national council and even congress and that includes Sikhala. As long as he follows the party structures we have no problem with him, in fact that is what democracy is about and we encourage that," said Mwonzora who is locked in a bitter war with Chamisa for the coveted secretary-general's position.

The MDC-T national executive also resolved that those nominated for two positions will be given "one week" to decide on which one they would contest.

This means, Mwonzora, nominated by no less than 11 provinces  (MDC-T  has 12 political provinces)  for the position of spokesperson and one for the secretary-general's position has to decide.

The former Nyanga North legislator has already indicated he will take on former ICT minister Chamisa to become chief party administrator.

Source - Zim Mail