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Tsvangirai ‘baby dumps’ Chamisa

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MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s perceived “blue-eyed boy” Nelson Chamisa had his promising political career blown off over the weekend when he suffered a shock defeat to former Nyanga North MP Douglas Mwonzora for the post of secretary-general.

MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s perceived “blue-eyed boy” Nelson Chamisa had his promising political career blown off over the weekend when he suffered a shock defeat to former Nyanga North MP Douglas Mwonzora for the post of secretary-general.

STAFF REPORTERS

Until the latest defeat, Chamisa had been touted as one of Tsvangirai’s possible successors given his political clout which immensely contributed to his “supersonic” political rise — from youth leader, party spokesperson and national organising secretary all within a short space of time.

Chamisa recently completed his law studies with the University of Zimbabwe.

In contrast, Mwonzora had until Friday’s elective congress worn the underdog tag and was least expected to land the post after being nominated by just one out of the party’s 12 provinces.

But Mwonzora garnered 2 464 votes against Chamisa’s 1 756 in the vote.

“I feel humbled by the support that I got from the members of the MDC; it shows the confidence in me. I was very, very heartened that I was able to succeed,” Mwonzora said shortly after announcement of the results early yesterday morning.

“I am also very happy at the level of competition that was there at this congress especially the competition between myself and Honourable Chamisa and I want to say that he is a very, very bright young man with a very good future. He is definitely a very difficult opponent, but at the end of the day, one of us had to win. The ultimate beneficiary, I think, is democracy.”

Chamisa, who could not be reached for comment yesterday, was believed to have offended Tsvangirai after he exhibited ambitions to take over the party’s leadership.

The two recently clashed in public during provincial elections in Manicaland after Tsvangirai allegedly manipulated the nomination system to ensure Mwonzora got nominated.

Chamisa’s sympathisers yesterday accused Tsvangirai of rigging the polls to ensure the youthful Kuwadzana East MP was left out of all key party structures as he was viewed as a threat to the presidency.

“Tsvangirai’s personal involvement in the running of provincial and national elections raised a lot of questions over the credibility of the polls. In the run-up to these elections, he bent all party rules to ensure his cronies got elected,” an MDC-T insider who declined to be named said.

However, Tsvangirai in his closing remarks described the internal polls, conducted by officials from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, as free and fair, adding that in the MDC-T there were no losers or winners.

The secretary-general’s post, long considered as one of the most powerful positions in the MDC-T fell vacant early this year after the incumbent Tendai Biti broke ranks with Tsvangirai and formed the MDC Renewal Team.

Mwonzora will be deputised by Mufakose MP Paurina Mpariwa-Gwanyanya who was elected unopposed.

Other party officials who made it to the new executive include party chairman Lovemore Moyo and his deputy, Morgan Komichi, who both retained their posts unopposed.

Outgoing Women’s Assembly leader Theresa Makone landed the treasurer’s post and will be deputised by Charlton Hwende.

Former Harare provincial spokesperson Obert Gutu went for the jugular and won the post of party spokesperson unchallenged. He will be deputised by Bulawayo East MP Tabitha Khumalo.

Former Chimanimani West MP Lynette Karenyi won the right to lead the Women’s Assembly with Happymore Chidziva taking charge of the Youth Wing.

Former deputy organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe was elected to the post of organising secretary and would be deputised by Nkulumane MP Thamsanqa Mahlangu.

Tsvangirai remains party leader together with his deputy Thokozani Khupe after they were both unopposed.

Outgoing secretary-general Tapiwa Mashakada, Gift Chimanikire, Chamisa, Midlands South chair Lillian Timveos, who lost the Women’s Assembly chair contest and youth leader Clifford Hlathwayo, among others, were also discarded in the internal elections.

Tsvangirai urged the new executive to work harder to fulfil its election promises and ensure a resounding MDC-T electoral victory in 2018.

“This should be our last congress as opposition. Let’s now all work towards stabilising the party. Victory is certain,” Tsvangirai said.

He admitted that the party was broke and paid homage to Mashakada, Chamisa and Makone for working tirelessly in mobilising resources for the congress.

Tsvangirai disclosed that the Emmanuel Makandiwa-led United Family International Church had donated its public address system at the City Sports Centre to the MDC-T. Makandiwa’s church uses the same venue for its midweek and weekend services.

Meanwhile, the MDC-T has resolved to set up an arbiter general’s office to speedily deal with issues of discipline and avert possible splits within its ranks.

Party members gave Tsvangirai extra sweeping powers and total control of the party structures.

“Congress noted that the institutional and structural design of the party has contributed to the split of the party in the past and lack of party cohesion, which is essential to realise the objectives of the party,” the resolutions read.

“The party also noted that the current institutional design might lead to destructive functions in the party and another split. In this regard the secretary-general shall no longer be responsible for all party affairs in the national secretariat and shall report to the president.”

There was feeling within MDC-T that the secretary-general’s post was too powerful and was creating two centres of power.

The MDC-T also wants rival MDC Renewal to “forthwith cease to use the party’s name and symbols as they did with party colours”.

A resolution was passed to expand its social and political base and extended an olive branch to former rebels and to welcome all members from other political parties, who were willing to join the party.