THE stage is now set for a bruising fight in the MDC-T with only party leader Morgan Tsvangirai and national chairman Lovemore going unchallenged at the party’s elective congress next month.
MOSES MATENGA
Party insiders said vice-president Thokozani Khupe was likely to be challenged by Bulawayo East MP Tabita Khumalo and Elias Mudzuri although MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora yesterday said nominations were yet to begin.
Mudzuri had initially sought to challenge Tsvangirai for the presidency.
Current national organising secretary Nelson Chamisa and deputy national chairperson Morgen Komichi are reportedly eyeing the second vice-presidency if the post is approved under the proposed constitutional changes.
Sources said Chamisa was also eyeing the secretary-general’s post if proposals to introduce the second vice-presidency were shot down.
For the secretary-general’s post, Chamisa will likely square off with Gift Chimanikire and Tapiwa Mashakada, who is holding the post in an acting capacity. Mashakada is currently the party’s deputy secretary-general.
Women’s assembly chairperson Theresa Makone is likely to try her luck over the treasurer-general position left vacant after the exit of Roy Bennett.
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Makone is likely to battle it out with Harare provincial spokesperson Obert Gutu, James Gumbi and former Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jameson Timba.
Gutu yesterday said: “I cannot comment on anything as yet because nominations haven’t been done. The cadres in the various provinces will decide on their respective nominations at the appropriate time.”
Chalton Hwende and David Chimhini are said to be eyeing the post of deputy treasurer-general which fell vacant after Elton Mangoma left for the Renewal Team led by former MDC-T secretary-general Tendai Biti.
Mkoba MP Amos Chibaya is eyeing the post of national organising secretary currently held by Chamisa and will fight it out with Abednico Bhebhe who is the current deputy national organising secretary.
MDC-T returnee Job Sikhala is set to lock horns with Thamsanqa Mahlangu for the post of deputy national organising secretary. Mwonzora and Tsvangirai’s spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka are set to clash over party spokesperson’s post.
Youth Assembly spokesperson Clifford Hlyatwayo is eyeing the post of the president of the youths where he is likely to clash with Happymore Chidziva and James Chidhakwa, the current youth assembly secretary for defence and security.
Hlyatwayo yesterday confirmed his interest to land the post. “Yes, I am ready to lead the vision,” he said.
The Women Assembly seat will likely see Lynnette Karenyi facing off against Sibusisiwe Bhuda-Masara and former Labour minister Paurina Mpariwa.
According to insiders, there was fear that a group of Tsvangirai loyalists which comprised of “unelectable” members was pushing to give him executive powers so that he appoints the executive instead of using the ballot system.
