Mutambara ousted

Prof Ncube ascended to the helm of the party on the first day of the two-day MDC congress which kicked off in Harare yesterday.
He always looked certain to land the top post after garnering the support of all the party’s 12 provinces ahead of the congress.
Prof Mutambara subsequently backed out from the race for the party presidency.
However, the new leader’s first attempt at flexing his muscles hit a brick wall when the party rejected his proposal to change the name of the party to the Congress for the Movement of Democratic Change (CMDC).
He, nonetheless, managed to have the party colours changed from red, black and white to green and white.
Also elected yesterday were Mr Edwin Mushoriwa (vice-president), Mr Goodrich Chimbaira (national chairman) and Mr Frank Chamunorwa (deputy chairman).

Mrs Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, who did not attend the first day of the event citing fatigue, was elected secretary-general while Mr Moses Mzila-Ndlovu was elected her deputy.
Mr Paul Temba Nyathi was elected treasurer, Ms Theresa Marimazhira deputy treasurer while the director of planning post went to Ms Miriam Mushayi.
Speculation was rife yesterday that top party officials were against Prof Mutambara’s continued stay in the inclusive Government.
It was, however, unclear what course of action they would take, as constitutional experts have already ruled out the party’s chances of recalling him.
Sources said the MDC national executive would deliberate on his fate today.
The visibly dejected Prof Mutambara refused to entertain the media after yesterday’s proceedings, which drew about 1 000 delegates.
Speaking to journalists, Prof Ncube was diplomatic. He said the newly elected national executive, which will hold its first meeting today, would decide on the Deputy Prime Minister’s fate.
“The first national executive council will only be held tomorrow and I doubt that issue would be discussed,” he said.
“The congress only elects party leaders not national leaders.”
In his opening remarks, Prof Mutambara said he could not seek re-election as he had made a “personal decision” to pave way for a new leader. He also distanced himself from the disgruntled party members who signed a petition dissociating themselves from the congress and throwing their weight behind Prof Mutambara’s presidency.
The defectors include former chairman Mr Jorbet Mudzumwe, who lost his seat during the party’s provincial nominations.
“Yes, we have problems in the party; our chairman is not here but our party is going to be creative,” said Prof Mutambara.
“We are going to find answers from our colleagues who are not here. We are going to find answers to the petition and come out stronger as a party.
“We must find a way of working with our colleagues and addressing the concerns they raised. Mutambara (referring to himself) made a decision for people to unite and to move from one leader to another. Mutambara made a personal decision before the provincial councils made their decisions. Even though I do not have a position, I will be a soldier in the party and a soldier for Zimbabwe.”
Prof Mutambara became MDC leader after the then united MDC split over differences regarding the party’s participation in senatorial elections in 2005.
A former university student leader, he is a robotics specialist.