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Midlands Correspondent
NEWLY formed United Movement for Democracy (UMD) had a nightmare in its bid to spread its wings to Zvishavane when only a handful of people turned up for its rally. The party, which is going around conducting rallies in different parts of the country ahead of the harmonised elections, was mainly targeting workers at the ailing Shabanie Mine and other Zvishavane residents.
The UMD leadership is said to have convened a rally in the asbestos mining town at the weekend hoping to attract a huge crowd in the town.
“The party is being sponsored by Mr Mawere and we had gone to Zvishavane to conduct our first meeting there hoping to meet a huge gathering from the local people, especially Shabanie Mine employees but we were surprised to meet only a handful of people,” said one of party officials.
UMD is led by Mr Ashirai Mawere, believed to be son to self-exiled businessman Mr Mutumwa Mawere.
Mr Mutumwa Mawere was said to be the interim president of the party when it was initially launched in Gweru but the South-African based businessman has on several occasions distanced himself from the party.
Mr Mutumwa Mawere once owned Shabanie Mine.
The official said the UMD team led by Mr Ashirai Mawere and Gweru Councillor, Clr Clemence Kwaru addressed less than 40 people at a meeting held at Chiedza Hall in Mandava Township.
Former Zvishavane Town Council chairman, Clr Alluwis Zhou said the party leadership’s choice of venue betrayed them.
Clr Zhou is an ex-employee of Shabanie Mine.
UMD national coordinator, Clr Kwaru, however, said their meeting was well attended. He said the party was growing popular on a daily basis since its formation.
“We addressed a huge gathering in Zvishavane at the weekend and people who said we failed to attract many people are just politicking. We are a new party and our support base is growing on a daily basis,” said Clr Kwaru.
Online Reporter