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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
MDC has assigned its council of elders led by Paul Themba Nyathi to lead investigations into the conduct of former secretary general Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga who is accused of fanning divisions in the party. The latest development follows earlier remarks by the MDC national spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi that the party’s national standing committee was going to deal with Misihairabwi-Mushonga’s issue.
Sources yesterday said the standing committee would still be seized with the Matabeleland South proportional representation member’s case at its next meeting, but the council of elders would only make recommendations which can either be taken on board or be rejected. The MDC youth and women assemblies have accused Misihairabwi-Mushonga of fanning divisions in the party and they want her expelled from the party to trigger her recall from parliament.
In a statement, Chihwayi said Nyathi and the party’s secretary Esaph Mdlongwa have been assigned to deal with the matter. “The office of the president advises that the presidency of the MDC has requested the chairperson of the council of elders Paul Themba Nyathi and secretary, Esaph Mdlongwa to hold consultations with the Youth and Women Assemblies and the Matabeleland South Member of Parliament, Hon Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga over issues raised by the Youth and Women assemblies in respect of Hon Misihairabwi-Mushonga, and seek resolution to the matter and make necessary recommendations,” said Chihwayi.
On Sunday, Nyathi, who recently stepped down as the party’s treasurer and insisted that he would remain a card carrying member, professed ignorance on the latest developments. “I’m hearing it from you for the first time. I haven’t been told about anything. In any case, I’m keeping a low profile from politics,” said Nyathi.
Asked if he was indeed the council of elders’ chairperson, Nyathi referred questions to Chihwayi, who could not be reached immediately. In a statement on Tuesday, the party’s national women’s assembly accused Misihairabwi-Mushonga of being behind the mass exodus of senior party officials from the opposition party.
“We’re convinced beyond doubt that Misihairabwi-Mushonga is the chief architect of disturbances in the party, including choreographed media resignations in recent months and we find it unconscionable that the party continues to allow her to get away with it,” said women assembly’s chairperson, Thandiwe Mlilo.
The youth wing also said it had received information that Misihairabwi-Mushonga was working tirelessly to ensure that people abandon the party and alleged that she was not known in Matabeleland South.
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