MDC-T, founding members clash over 'mafikizolo'

DAGGERS have reportedly been drawn between MDC-T Bulawayo provincial leaders and the party's founders, the MDC Veterans Activists' Association (MDCVAA), following the reinstatement of Bulawayo deputy mayor Gift Banda as substantive provincial chairman.

Banda's rivals have accused MDCVAA members of working against party decisions and seeking to hijack the main opposition party's programmes.

On Saturday, they accused MDCVAA members of spraying graffiti at the party offices, denouncing Banda as a "mafikizolo" (newcomer) and "a sellout" prior to MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai's visit to officially install him as the substantive provincial chairperson.

MDC-T insiders said the graffiti message was meant to warn Tsvangirai to stop the event, citing a High Court order barring Banda from occupying the post.

However, MDCVAA Bulawayo chairman Isaac Mpofu dismissed the claims as laughable and cheap politicking to tarnish their group.

Tsvangirai's visit was viewed as an attempt by the opposition party to stem factionalism in the highly fractious province where two rival factions supporting Banda on one side and Matson Hlalo on the other have emerged.