Drama at MDC-T rally, booed official distances self from Tendai Biti

MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai's rally in Norton yesterday was characterised by chaotic scenes when Chitungwiza provincial chairperson Mr Alexio Musundire forced his way to the podium to distance himself from the MDC-Team led by secretary-general Mr Tendai Biti.

MDC-T national organising secretary Mr Nelson Chamisa tried to intervene to spare the blushes when Chitungwiza provincial youth chairperson Mr Jabulani Mthunzi - who was the master of ceremonies - refused to give Mr Musundire the microphone.

Mr Mthunzi gave the microphone to national executive member Mr Fidelis Mhashu, but Mr Musundire grabbed it from him.

Mr Musundire has been linked to the Renewal Team, and is among provincial chairpersons suspended for opposing Mr Tsvangirai's leadership.

Earlier, the Chitungwiza provincial youth executive denounced Mr Musundire and when he arrived he was booed.

Mr Mthunzi introduced the Chitungwiza executive, giving each official the microphone to make a slogan - but ignored Mr Musundire.

Mr Musundire remained standing as the others took their seats and demanded the microphone.

Mr Chamisa intervened and directed that Mr Musundire be allowed to do a slogan. But Mr Mthunzi refused before handing the microphone to Mr Mhashu, prompting Mr Musundire to grab it.

"This party is going to win elections on the basis of discipline and order. We resolve differences in our corridors," Mr Chamisa said.

Former MDC99 leader Mr Job Sikhala, who recently joined MDC-T, said: "I work well with Chitungwiza province but what I have seen here surprised me.''

Mr Tsvangirai added: "We need discipline, sanity and focus in the party."

He also said he would not participate in future elections if there were no reforms, and called for national dialogue on the economy.

MDC-T women assembly chair and acting treasurer Mrs Theresa Makone said Mr Biti tried to push for the creation of four deputy prime minister posts during talks that led to the formation of the inclusive Government .

She said Mr Biti knew that he would be made a DPM in such a set-up but the proposal was shot down.
Mrs Makone accused Mr Biti and Mr Mangoma of misappropriating party funds.

"All the paper trail for 2012 to date is not there. They took all that because they knew that they were leaving," she said.

MDC-T deputy national chair Mr Morgen Komichi claimed fresh elections would be held next year.