adminProsper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
Professor Welshman Ncube’s embattled MDC has elected Mr Pilate Ndebele as chairman of its Matabeleland South structures, replacing Mr Petros Mukwena who was expelled from the party recently. Mr Ndebele takes office at a time the party is rocked by massive resignations of its senior members, mainly from Matabeleland South who are disgruntled over the leadership of secretary general Mrs Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga and her election into the National Assembly under proportional representation.
MDC national organising secretary Ms Rita Ndlovu announced the election of Mr Ndebele in an interview after an internal poll held in Bulawayo yesterday.
“The Matabeleland South provincial council met today to elect the new leadership after the expulsion of Mr Mukwena. The provincial council elected new office bearers for the vacant posts,” said Ms Ndlovu.
“Mr Ndebele (55), who was the provincial deputy organising secretary, is the new chairman. Taking his position is Ms Sibekithemba Njani. Mr Robert Ndlovu was elected secretary for political education and training.”
Mr Mukwena was expelled for indiscipline after he challenged the secretary general’s candidature in the run up to 31 July elections. Losing Nketa constituency candidate Alderman Charles Mpofu has also been expelled on similar grounds.
The party’s director of policy and implementation, Mr Qhubani Moyo, who lost Insiza North seat and secretary for international relations Mr Sondon Mugaradziko have also resigned citing personal reasons.
Ms Ndlovu said the provincial council, comprising the youth, women and main wing, discussed the concerns over nomination of Mrs Misihairabwi-Mushonga.
She said the province stood by her nomination and quashed reports that Matabeleland South structures rejected her.
“A lot has been said on the issue that is not official. All the reports have been coming from individuals who claimed that their voices were from the people.
“Apparently people on the ground do not know that. This issue is based on personalities,” said Ms Ndlovu.
She acknowledged that senior party members such as former MPs Mr Siyabonga Malandu Ncube and Edward Mkhosi had openly criticised the party leadership over Mrs Misihairabwi-Mushonga and announced that they had resigned from the party.
“We are aware of that but those people have said their things in the media. The party has laid down procedures. We have a constitution and disciplinary measures are taken against party members who flout provisions of the constitution like we did with Mukwena,” she said.
Mr Ndebele said he was taking office aware of the challenges facing the party and the concerns over his secretary general.
“The council noted that the persons who have spoken to the media over the issue have never been authorised to make the statements,” he said.
Mr Ndebele said the council fully supported the election of the secretary general and expressed full confidence in the national leadership, which approved the list of the province’s candidates.
Online Reporter