MDC-T factions in near fight over inputs

Party members had met at the provincial headquarters to share 12 tonnes of maize seed among the MDC-T’s 12 districts in Bulawayo.

Simmering tensions between a faction allegedly belonging to Mzilikazi Senator, Matson Hlalo, and another said to be led by the MDC-T’s vice president, Thokozani Khuphe, came to boiling point and brought the meeting to a standstill.

The Hlalo faction from Ward 8 reportedly refused to have their share of the inputs handed over to the Makokoba district chairperson, Councillor James Sithole of Ward 7.

Ward 7 is also part of the Makokoba District and is believed to be a stronghold of the opposing Khupe faction.

“The provincial chairman, Mr Gorden Moyo addressed the meeting and said chairpersons of each district should get a tonne of the input for distribution among the vulnerable members of the community.

“We all anticipated problems with Makokoba. There has always been bad blood between Ward 7 and 8, which make up the district. However, no one was prepared for the intensity or level of hatred the ward leaders displayed for each other,” said a party member.

The member said there was pandemonium after the provincial leadership had left the meeting and the district chairpersons were preparing to collect the inputs.

“The Ward 8 chairperson, Mr Clayton Kahiya, with his deputy Ms Helen Mpofu went to the distributing committee and said their share should not be given to Clr Sithole. They said they were sure he would not hand over Ward 8’s share,” said the party member.

Another party member said a skirmish broke out, as Mr Kahiya and Ms Mpofu wrestled with the MDC-T organising secretary for Bulawayo, Mr Albert Mhlanga demanding that he should hand over 500 kg of the consignment to them.

“They made some personal remarks regarding Clr Sithole. Clr Sithole refused to change the provincial leadership’s instructions, which said he should receive the inputs, as the chairperson,” said the party member.

A number of MDC-T members said Mr Mhlanga reprimanded the Ward 8 representatives saying they should respect their district chairperson.

“It almost degenerated into a free for all as Ward 8 representatives jostled to get at the inputs. It took a combined effort from almost everyone present to thwart the duo. They then stormed out, threatening to go to the Press with their grievance,” said the witness.

Contacted for comment, Clr Sithole said: “This is an internal party issue which should not be discussed in the Press. You can tell those who told you the story that we shall remain united as a party and everyone who is supposed to benefit in both Ward 7 and 8 will get their share of the seed maize,” said Clr Sithole.

Mr Kahiya acknowledged the fracas but said he could not speak to the Press as the party had barred everyone, except the spokesperson from making statements.

The MDC-T provincial spokesperson for Bulawayo, Mr Mandla Sibanda denied that there was a rift within the party.

Makokoba district has been riddled with faction-alism allegations since the run- up top the party’s congress in May last year.

The Hlalo faction lost to the Khuphe faction when Mr Gorden Moyo was elected Bulawayo provincial chairperson ahead of Sen Hlalo. The factions clashed in bloody scenes in which youths that were allegedly sponsored by either side beat up rivals.