Infiltration of MDC-T by ZANU-PF is a myth

The  postponement of primary elections by MDC-T  is a tip of the problems and challenges facing the party as we head towards the home stretch for the harmonised elections to be held this year.  The list of the aspiring candidates for some constituencies was finalised some weeks ago. This list has resulted into discontentment among the supporters on the manner in which the list was drawn. Furthermore, the stifling of the democratic processes in the party by those in the standing committee, by preserving constituencies for some party members has shown that there are other people more sacred than others in MDC-T.

The process of confirmation has divided the party such that they have had to defer or postpone the primary elections in order to try to quiet the disgruntled members. It is scandalous therefore for someone to suggest that the delay of the primaries is to attend to the infiltration of the party by ZANU PF members. If that is the case it is a way of admitting that MDC-T as a party is porous such that its processes can be dictated by people who are not their party members. It is a way of showing to the world that they are people afraid of their own shadows.

After going through the rigorously process of vetting the aspiring candidates and rejecting some of the curriculum vitae, how could one claim that ZANU PF has infiltrated MDC-T and is causing confusion. Admitting to one's failure is a virtue which is elusive to many in MDC-T. The sooner they realise their shortcomings the better for them than apportion it to others.

The decision to delay the primaries by MDC-T to give it time to copy the template and procedures to be used by ZANU PF in its primaries. Secondly, they would want to weigh the calibre and credentials of those that are going to pass the criteria laid down by ZANU PF and subsequently go for the primaries. It has been the tendency by MDC-T to copy everything they do and try to perfect it by giving another name. An example is their much publicised JUICE policy which suffered a still birth, because it was an imported idea whose implementation they had no idea of.

The party has failed to come up with a home-made manifesto for the forthcoming elections because they have not been able to see the ZANU PF manifesto to copy from. Now that they have heard that it is available they are soliciting ideas from their foreign friends to craft a manifesto which is not their brain child. Such a manifesto whose ideas are foreign will not be applicable to our circumstances and environment.

But what can these political pretenders and opportunists do when they are blank in ideas on crafting policies and programmes which are sustainable to the country.

It is a question of time before we hear one more senior MDC-T official telling the world that they have failed to come up with a manifesto because ZANU PF infiltrated their thinking faculties. Isn't it now common knowledge that MDC-T's failures are attributed to infiltration by ZANU PF. When their president was recklessly opening his zip, they sought to defend him by saying ZANU PF had played a party in forcing him to make wrong judgements. To therefore entrust MDC-T with the governance of our beloved country is a mistake of the highest order which should be avoided at all cost.

It is time that Zimbabweans realise the magnitude of the deficiencies that are apparent in MDC-T. Despite priding with members of the standing committee who are "well read", their education has not been translated into propping up those who got into power through bravery and courage during the 2008 period. This has resulted in the blundering which has characterised their tenure in office, from the local councillor, Member of Parliament, ambassador, minister and the president of MDC-T. Manifestations of corruption, self enrichment and nepotism have been the hallmark of the four years they have been in government. This is all that we can see from the participation of MDC-T in the inclusive government, over and above their delaying tactics in implementing people oriented policies, projects and programmes.  I hope MDC-T will not attribute this blundering and misfiring to the infiltration by ZANU PF again, as has become their song.

It should dawn on MDC-T that ZANU PF has nothing to do with their blundering, their failure to conduct primary elections, as well as their failure to come up with an election manifesto. Infiltration of any form of MDC-T by ZANU PF is a myth. It's not worthy it for ZANU PF to delve into the goings-on of a party which is seeing its last mile into demise. The end is nigh for MDC-T.

Kennedy Mapesa Mandaza
ZANU PF South Africa Secretary for Information and Publicity