MDC-T supporters reject Deputy Speaker's candidature

VILLAGERS from Umzingwane constituency have reportedly blocked the area MP and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ms Nomalanga Khumalo, from contesting the seat in the next election.

It is believed that Ms Khumalo, who was fired from the Professor Welshman Ncube-led MDC last year, wants to contest as MP for the area under the MDC-T ticket.

Although Ms Khumalo has repeatedly denied having any links with the rival MDC-T, sources from the party said the legislator was secretly co-opted into the MDC-T's provincial structures sometime last month.

On Sunday, Ms Khumalo reportedly attended an MDC-T meeting at Zhilo where the party leaders wanted to introduce her as one of their own.

The sources said the meeting, however, turned chaotic, as villagers openly denigrated the legislator and opposed her candidature in the next election.

"She came to the meeting with the district leadership. There was a commotion when the chairman Mr Velempini Tshili introduced her to the crowd," said the source.

"People booed and bombarded her with questions, accusing her of being a sellout. Some villagers hurled unprintable insults demanding that she makes a public apology."

The sources said the MP was overwhelmed by the jeers from the villagers, who said they did not want her to represent them in the constituency.

"She was harassed left, right and centre and could not stand the pressure that she almost broke down. Mr Tshili was at pains trying to cool down the angry villagers, who openly expressed their displeasure at having the MP as their candidate."

Sources said the villagers were bitter that Ms Khumalo influenced the arrest of some villagers last year, who were accused of distributing fliers that denigrated her for being a "political turncoat".

They said Ms Khumalo's fate was worsened by the factional fights within the MDC-T.

The sources said the legislator was backed by the provincial chairman Mr Watchy Sibanda and the MDC-T national chairman Mr Lovemore Moyo.

Said another source: "She was imposed by the senior leaders who did not bother to consult the grassroots.

"This angered the villagers in the area, who accuse the leadership of violating the constitution of the party."

The sources alleged that Mr Tshili, who is believed to be eyeing the seat, had a hand in influencing the villagers to turn against Ms Khumalo.

They said the MDC-T leadership was aware of the issue and had previously held meetings to make amends between Ms Khumalo and Mr Tshili.

"There was no way in which Ms Khumalo could gain ground without the support of people on the ground. That is why the senior leadership of the party tried to make her work closely with Mr Tshili even if they are not in good books," said a source.

Ms Khumalo confirmed that a meeting was held at Zhilo, but refuted the reports of what transpired there.

"That is wrong information mntanami. It is true there was a meeting at Zhilo, but I do not have any relationship with those people," she said.

"Why should I go to other people's meetings? I hold my own meetings and people there respect me. It is only that there are people, who are emissaries of my opponents who are canvassing for votes.

"There are bad people there, who want to campaign using my name. Let them say whatever they want. Honest campaigning is on the ground addressing the people and not in newspapers."

Mr Tshili could neither deny nor confirm the development but referred all questions to the provincial party spokesperson Mr Mthokozisi Bhebhe, whose cellphone repeatedly rang unanswered.

"You can talk to our provincial spokesperson," he said.

Mr Sibanda could not be drawn to comment on the issue saying he was in a meeting. "I am in a meeting. You can call me at 7pm," he said.

All along Ms Khumalo has pledged her allegiance to Professor Arthur Mutambara, who is embroiled in a leadership dispute with Prof Ncube.