By Christopher Makaza
Citizens have negatively reacted to the missing $2 million from MDC accounts with most people arguing that if the opposition party can`t properly manage party funds, how then will they be able to run the country and be entrusted with State power.
Responding to the story on her Twitter page, Labour, Economists and African Democrats, (LEAD), party leader Linda Masarira says MDC is a corrupt party which can`t even properly manage its own finances. “If one can't manage funds of a political party what of national coffers funds. There is no confidence of a corrupt free environment from this opposition party. I always say it that MDC is full of corrupt and power hungry individuals,” she posted.
Another citizen Effort Makusha lambasted the opposition party for misusing party funds at the expense of paying party employees and funding party programmes.
The opposition party has reportedly engaged independent auditors after the money was withdrawn by top party officials from the bank accounts last year and spent on personal projects while the party has been failing to pay its workers for several months.
MDC treasurer-general David Coltart allegedly confirmed that a team of independent auditors would start work this week.
There have been concerns from within the party over allegations of abuse of funds in the opposition party which prompted the audit.
Sources within the opposition party are also complaining that nothing tangible came out of the $3.4 million which MDC got from Government under the Political Finance Act last year yet they were expecting the funds to address salary and transport issues among others affecting the party.
“We are really disappointed with this continued abuse of party funds and priorities that are made by our leaders. They ignore our plights and just think of themselves and their families. We celebrated when the $3.4 million came hoping it was going to address our challenges especially the issue of salaries of party employees. Employees have gone for some months now without salaries yet they prioritise demonstrations which at the end of the day will not change anything.
“Our leaders are purchasing luxury vehicles behind our backs and some of them are building very expensive houses in and outside Zimbabwe using donor funds yet the party is failing to carryout mobilisation activities due to lack of money,” fumed one source who preferred anonymity for fear of victimisation.
The party leadership were also accused of awarding themselves hefty allowances at the expense of party activities.
The sources revealed that they were aware that their president, Nelson Chamisa was among those building luxury houses in the country and purchasing mansions in South Africa using donated funds.
MDC Veterans Activist Association (VAA) last year accused Chamisa of allegedly abusing 165 000 Pounds donated to the party by a British citizen based in South Africa.
