Chamisa appointments divide the MDC

Claver Nyuki

Information gathered by this publication indicates that the MDC’s National Standing Committee and Executive appointments made by that party leader, Nelson Chamisa has caused more disgruntlement than cheers within the MDC camp. The Harare Post can exclusively report that the split prone party is headed for another split after the controversial appointment of the johnny-come-lately, among them Fadzai Mahere who was appointed as the Education, Sports and Culture secretary at the expense of other party loyalists.

Union leaders including Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) Secretary General, Raymond Majongwe expressed his displeasure on his official Twitter page. “As the PTUZ, the appointment of Fadzai Mahere does not inspire us at all. We cannot be told the whole MDC does not have an organic Educationist of repute. Education is not for everyone,” he said.

The appointment of former ZANU PF bigwig, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti as a National Committee member has received widespread criticism within the party after he received the least endorsement during the party’s chaotic provincial process to elect people who will be deployed to the National Executive.

Bhasikiti bragged about his appointment on Twitter and said, “I look at the appointment of Dr.K.Bhasikiti as a bold and loud statement to all who are from ZPF, that MDC is home to those who love their country and fight for genuine change to Gutsaruzhinji governance in Zimbabwe.” The demotion of party stalwarts in the form of Douglas Mwonzora, Elias Mudzuri and Tapiwa Mashakada has also led to groups being formed with those aligned to the trio calling the appointments a disgrace.

A source within the MDC, who talked to the publication, revealed that Mashakada was angling for the Deputy Treasurer or Deputy Secretary General post before his appointment to the secretary of Research and Policy. The source went on to reveal that chances are that the trio could form a breakaway faction.

The Harare Post can also report that the differences between Chamisa and the party’s Vice President, Tendai Biti seem to be widening as the duo had a heated exchange after those aligned to Biti, Jacob Mafume and Miriam Mashaya were allegedly reassigned without his consultation. The source further claim that there is a high possibility that the MDC could field Biti as its Presidential candidate in 2023 as the West, the perennial supporters and donors of the MDC, are in support of Biti’s leadership than Chamisa.