Welshman Ncube to welcome Mutambara rebels

The MDC led by Professor Welshman Ncube has said it will welcome former members who defected together with Professor Arthur Mutambara, if they decide to seek re-admission.

This comes after the former Mutambara loyalists passed a vote of no confidence in him last week. They said they had resolved not to recognise the robotics professor as their president and announced his ouster.

The grouping also demanded Prof Mutambara to unconditionally withdraw the court case he mounted against Prof Ncube, over the presidency of the faction. They also hinted they could align themselves with Prof Ncube; two years after the Prof Ncube led them out after he lost the contested party presidency.

MDC spokesperson, Mr Nhlanhla Dube said the party would not seek retribution against the group.

"If they want to come back we will obviously welcome them with the firm belief that there has been a realisation that the party is greater than individuals.  Unity among members is the answer to polls. As a party we have processes and procedures.

"Naturally, the party's code of conduct should be followed. Anyway we hold no grief to treat them ill, no negativity towards any former member wishing to rejoin. Gladly we will accept them as comrades and colleagues. Bygones will be bygones from that minute if when they decide," he said.

Commenting on Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn leader, Dr Simba Makoni's move to back MDC–T, when in 2008 MDC supported him for the presidency; Mr Dube said his party had matured and has its own presidential candidate now.

He said despite Dr Makoni joining forces with MDC-T, the move meant nothing as MDC had a fair chance of victory just like any other political party.

He said this 2013 election was fresh election.