adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
MDC-T’s Victor Mapungwana has been sworn in as a replacement for Matson Hlalo as a senator for Bulawayo.
Mapungwana was sworn in on Wednesday last week.
The Acting Senate President Charles Tavengwa said Mapungwana’s appointment follows an announcement by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec), of the changes in the MDC-T.
“In terms of Section 39 (7) (a) of the Electoral Act, [Chapter 2:13], The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), has notified the Clerk of Parliament of the nomination of Victor Mapungwana as a senator,” said Tavengwa.
“Senator Mapungwana, a registered voter in Ward 9 of Mpopoma-Pelandaba in Bulawayo, was nominated by the MDC-T, to fill the vacancy that occurred in the Senate following the recall by the MDC-T of the incumbent Honourable Senator Matson Hlalo on the grounds that he had ceased to be a member of that party,” said Tavengwa.
He said Mapungwana was appointed as senator for Bulawayo Province starting April, 29.
Hlalo was fired from the MDC-T which led to his recall from Parliament after he allegedly violated the MDC-T’s constitution by taking party issues to court.
He was contesting the election of Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Gift Banda as provincial party chairperson, saying he lost because the election was rigged.
He argued that Banda did not qualify for the post as he had been a member of the party for less than five years.
Hlalo has unsuccessfully tried to stop his recall from Parliament using the courts.
Sources within the opposition party said his recall is a culmination of factionalism that has dogged the MDC-T pitting MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai and national executive member Nelson Chamisa.
Online Reporter