MDC-T members clash over senators

THERE were ugly scenes on Friday at the MDC-T Bulawayo provincial office as youths started singing protest songs targeting some party officials as divisions within the fractured party once again came to the fore during the nomination of candidates to fill the position in Senate that was left vacant following the death of Senator Victor Mapungwana.

Senator Mapungwana, who was MDC-T national executive member died last month after a short illness. He had replaced Mr Matson Hlalo who was expelled from the party which led to his recall from Parliament after he allegedly violated the MDC-T's constitution by taking party issues to court.

The chaotic scenes at the party offices were reportedly triggered after the provincial executive meeting dragged on for too long, while members were waiting outside for the commencement of a provincial council meeting, whose sole agenda was to make the nominations which will be forwarded to the party's national council which will then forward a name to Senate from the nominated individuals.

Party youths reportedly started chanting "Into oyenzayo siyayizonda" as they became agitated accusing the provincial executive of trying to influence the outcome of the nomination process. However, after the provincial council an initial seven people were nominated but the list was then reduced to three, with the provincial chairperson and fired Bulawayo Deputy Mayor, Mr Gift Banda declining his nomination. The seven nominated were; Mr Banda, Dr Mandla Nyathi, Mr Mandla Sibanda (the provincial spokesperson), Mr Felix Mafa, Ms Kwanele Phiri, Mr Alick Gumede and Mr Gideon Shoko.

After deliberations and Mr Banda's declining the list was then reduced to three, namely; Mr Shoko, Dr Nyathi and Mr Sibanda, with party insiders saying the party considered the issue of seniority.

Commenting on the matter, Mr Banda confirmed that the party will forward the three names to the party president Mr Morgan Tsvangirai who will then present it to the national council where a final name will then be forwarded to Senate.

"As for me I declined my nomination because I felt like I was persecuted by Local Government Minister (Saviour) Kasukuwere, so I am going to seek a review of my expulsion and I am very confident that I will win it hence my not accepting the nomination," said Mr Banda.

Meanwhile, Bulawayo councillors have also started jostling to take up the position of Deputy Mayor, which was left vacant after Mr Banda's expulsion, with ward 15 councillor Tamani Moyo reportedly canvassing among councillors to be seconded to the position. Sources said councillors were waiting for guidance from the Government and their party before voting for the new Deputy Mayor.