HARDLY a week after the congress that ushered in a new political party led by Tendai Biti under the name People’s Democratic Party, an obscure outfit has emerged claiming the name, setting the stage for a bruising fight.
BY MOSES MATENGA
Ruyedzo Mtizwa said he was the interim chairman of PDP formed in 2008.
Mutizwa said he was shocked to hear that the former MDC Renewal Team had usurped their name.
But PDP spokesperson Jacob Mafume described the name theft allegations as works of State security agents to tarnish their party’s image.
“This came as no surprise to our members and legion of supporters as it is now trendy for some Zimbabweans to reap where they did not sow,” Mtizwa said.
He said his party was formed at Gweru Theatre and its launch was covered by several media organisations.
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“The renaming of the MDC Renewal Team is the work of our detractors bent on eroding our gains in the fight against Gukurahundi. On the other hand, it comes across as an indicator of how hardworking our cadres have been over the past seven years. Our determination and political acumen has forced the MDC Renewal party to attempt to hijack the PDP,” Mtizwa said.
“This reflects badly on the new political outfit as it exposes their political thuggery and lack of creativity. It is misleading on the part of the MDC Renewal Team and they cannot pretend that they have never heard of PDP before.”
He said Biti’s party should cease forthwith using the name PDP.
Mtizwa, however, said they would not go to court over the matter, but that history would judge the former MDC Renewal Team harshly if they decided to continue using the “stolen name”.
But Mafume said it was pathetic and childish for such claims to be made, insisting it was the job of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) to try and discredit their party.
“They should stop this kindergarten thing. We know it is a CIO thing from Chaminuka Building, but it will not work.”
