Welshman Ncube's MDC Suspends 4 Top Party Officials
The MDC led by Welshman Ncube has suspended four members of its highest decision-making body – the National Executive Council (NEC) for attending an unsanctioned meeting with the MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora.
The four officials who were issued suspension letters on Tuesday are Shupikai Mandaza (Deputy National Chairperson), Christopher Monera (Secretary for Policy and Research), Munango Musevenzo and Gift Karupati (also members of the NEC).
The development was confirmed by MDC Disciplinary Committee Chairperson, Faroah Zebron Jele, during an interview with CITE. Said Jele:
These four men have been suspended from the party for failure to abide by the party policy by attending an unsanctioned meeting with another political party.
They were seen attending a meeting with MDC-T at Harvest House, so they have violated party policy.
They have been suspended but they will be given an opportunity to appear before the disciplinary hearing.
The MDC contested the 2018 polls under the umbrella of the MDC Alliance together with Nelson Chamisa-led MDC-T faction and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) then led by Tendai Biti.
However, since the 31 March 2020 Supreme Court ruling which nullified Chamisa’s presidency of the MDC-T and dismissal of the alliance as a political party, rifts have emerged within the coalition.
One of the suspended members, Monera confirmed attending the Mwonzora faction meeting, which he said discussed the way forward on the MDC Alliance
He said he recognises Mwonzora as the leader of the MDC-T and MDC Alliance of which his political party is part. He said:
By the way, Professor Ncube is the one who created that integration but by that time Chamisa was wrongfully leading the MDCT.
The only difference that there is today is that the High Court said, no, no Chamisa is not the legitimate leader.
We cannot ignore our principal who happens to be Mwonzora.
