News / Regional
Chaos rocks MDC-T rally
30 Jan 2013 at 05:25hrs | Views
An MDC-T campaign rally at Ndlovu business centre in Jambezi reportedly ended prematurely on Sunday after party members protested against a top party leader.
Matabeleland North chairperson Sengezo Tshabangu was accused of blocking provincial organising secretary Thembinkosi Sibindi from addressing the meeting.
Party insiders said all hell broke loose after Tshabangu blocked Sibindi from presiding over the rally as master of ceremony, arguing his suspension was still in force.
Instead, Tshabangu appointed provincial youth chairperson Fredrick Ngwenya to officiate.
But party members protested against the move before walking away leading to a premature end to the rally.
"Tshabangu blocked Sibindi from addressing the rally on the basis that he was still on suspension," said a party insider.
"There was pandemonium as people openly protested against Tshabangu's action, demanding to know why he was sidelining Sibindi since the national executive had reappointed him."
Sibindi confirmed the disturbances yesterday.
"Yes, he blocked me from executing my organising duties at the rally, but I do not know why. You better ask him," Sibindi said.
Sources said angry party supporters chased Ngwenya away and accused Tshabangu of imposing leaders on them.
He was also accused of being reluctant to reinstate Sibindi as directed by the MDC-T national executive.
However, Tshabangu yesterday denied reports the rally was marred by disturbances.
"There was no threat of violence or anything close to it. I do not know why people want to blow things out of proportion," said Tshabangu while insisting that Sibindi was yet to resume his duties although his suspension had been lifted.
"His reappointment was communicated through writing and we are yet to do the same," he said.
"It is our principle that we follow procedures. The suspension was lifted in writing and we will do so as well. Why do people want to rush things?"
Sibindi was suspended on October 27 last year over his alleged close links with Zanu PF, but the suspension was lifted on December 27 after a probe team from the party's headquarters in Harare exonerated him.
On January 11 2013, MDC-T national organising secretary Nelson Chamisa wrote to Tshabangu instructing him to reinstate Sibindi. The letter was copied to other provincial executive members.
Matabeleland North chairperson Sengezo Tshabangu was accused of blocking provincial organising secretary Thembinkosi Sibindi from addressing the meeting.
Party insiders said all hell broke loose after Tshabangu blocked Sibindi from presiding over the rally as master of ceremony, arguing his suspension was still in force.
Instead, Tshabangu appointed provincial youth chairperson Fredrick Ngwenya to officiate.
But party members protested against the move before walking away leading to a premature end to the rally.
"Tshabangu blocked Sibindi from addressing the rally on the basis that he was still on suspension," said a party insider.
"There was pandemonium as people openly protested against Tshabangu's action, demanding to know why he was sidelining Sibindi since the national executive had reappointed him."
Sibindi confirmed the disturbances yesterday.
Sources said angry party supporters chased Ngwenya away and accused Tshabangu of imposing leaders on them.
He was also accused of being reluctant to reinstate Sibindi as directed by the MDC-T national executive.
However, Tshabangu yesterday denied reports the rally was marred by disturbances.
"There was no threat of violence or anything close to it. I do not know why people want to blow things out of proportion," said Tshabangu while insisting that Sibindi was yet to resume his duties although his suspension had been lifted.
"His reappointment was communicated through writing and we are yet to do the same," he said.
"It is our principle that we follow procedures. The suspension was lifted in writing and we will do so as well. Why do people want to rush things?"
Sibindi was suspended on October 27 last year over his alleged close links with Zanu PF, but the suspension was lifted on December 27 after a probe team from the party's headquarters in Harare exonerated him.
On January 11 2013, MDC-T national organising secretary Nelson Chamisa wrote to Tshabangu instructing him to reinstate Sibindi. The letter was copied to other provincial executive members.
Source - newsday
