'MDC-T Matabeleland rifts are minor issues,' says Chamisa

MDC-T national organising secretary Nelson Chamisa has downplayed the reported squabbles that rocked the party's Matabeleland structures over the past few months, describing the fissures as "minor".

"Those are minor things which cannot detract our resolve to win elections as we are a strong party. Zanu PF members continue to join us," Chamisa told NewsDay last Friday.

"We are a party of excellence. We will shine together. We are all bound by the common denominator of love. We are a strong family. We are just like a baobab tree and trying to cut it using a razor blade is not possible."

However, Chamisa was evasive on what action his party would take to deal with those fingered as fuelling the alleged infighting.

This follows recent reports of disturbances at MDC-T meetings in Bulawayo and Matabeleland North as the party gears for its own primary elections and harmonised elections expected later this year.

MDC-T's Bulawayo East MP Tabitha Khumalo is alleged to have recently assaulted her Pumula constituency counterpart Albert Mhlanga during an audit of party structures.

Insiders said all hell broke loose after Khumalo allegedly unearthed a plot by Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe - believed to be Mhlanga's ally - to elbow her out and replace her with former
United Kingdom-based academic Mandla Nyathi.

A rift allegedly rocked an MDC-T rally at Jambezi business centre in Matabeleland North last week after provincial chairperson Sengezo Tshabangu blocked provincial organising secretary Thembinkosi Sibindi from addressing the meeting.

The rally ended prematurely after MDC-T supporters walked out in protest.

However, Tshabangu denied the reports and accused his detractors of blowing issues out of proportion.