Parly to decide on MDC-T rebels

Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Reporter
Speaker of Parliament Cde Jacob Mudenda yesterday said they were still deliberating a request by MDC-T to withdraw 18 of its members from both the National Assembly and Senate for aligning with Mr Tendai Biti’s Renewal Team.

Former MDC-T secretary-general Mr Biti pulled out of MDC-T and took along the 18 legislators whom the opposition party is now disowning.

Cde Mudenda yesterday said he was still in a meeting on the case and would most likely announce his verdict today.

“We are still in a meeting to determine the case and maybe tomorrow there will be a determination,” Cde Mudenda said.

Last week, MDC-T notified Cde Mudenda and president of the Senate Edna Madzongwe of the party’s intention to withdraw 15 members from the National Assembly and three others from Senate on the basis that they were no longer part of the Tsvangirai-led party.

Addressing a Press conference in Harare last week, the party’s newly elected spokesperson Mr Obert Gutu said the legislators ceased to be MDC-T members and that their seats must be declared vacant.

The resolution to recall the 18 was passed at the just ended MDC-T 4th congress and the new secretary general Mr Douglas Mwonzora wrote to Parliament on the withdrawal.

The 15 legislators are: Tendai Biti (Harare East), Willias Madzimure (Kambuzuma), Lucia Matibenga (Kuwadzana), Evelyn Masaiti (proportional representation Harare), Paul Madzore (Glen View South), Reggie Moyo (Luveve), Solomon Madzore (Dzivarasekwa), Bekithemba Nyathi (Mpopoma/Phelandaba), Moses Manyengavana (Highfield West), Albert Mhlanga (Pumula), Sipepa Nkomo (Lobengula), Roselyn Nkomo (Tsholotsho North), Settlement Chikwinya( Mbizo), Gorden Moyo (Makokoba) and Judith Mazhavazhe (proportional representation Masvingo).

The Senators are Sekai Holland (Harare), Rorana Muchihwa Dandajena (Harare) and Wachi Sibanda (Matabeleland South).