MDC faction seizes control of parliamentary party

MDC faction seizes control of parliamentary party

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By Lebo Nkatazo

A FACTION of Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) opposed to leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, has taken control of the parliamentary party and moved swiftly to appoint a new shadow cabinet.

Paul Themba Nyathi, a spokesman for the faction led by Tsvangirai's deputy, Gibson Sibanda, unveiled the new shadow cabinet in a statement issued Wednesday.

At least 22 MPs out of the 41 MDC legislators in parliament had swung behind Sibanda's group, with at least one other MP, David Coltart, preferring to remain outside the factions as an arbiter.

The two factions have been fighting for control of the party, both insisting they are the official MDC -- a fight that looks destined to be settled in the courts.

However, the seizure of the parliamentary majority by Sibanda's group makes them the official opposition, at least in parliament, and entitles them to government funding under the Political Finances Act.

The MDC split irreconcilably over the senate elections last November, with Tsvangirai breaking rank with his party to declare that he would oppose participation in the elections.

His colleagues accused him of being a dictator, an accusation that he rejects.

Nyathi said: "MDC, having realised that parliament is the theatre of political activity, held its parliamentary caucus on Wednesday, after which some appointments were made.

"These appointments are a deliberate effort to reposition the party and to ensure that the contributions of party parliamentarians in the august house is accurately and properly articulated for the benefit of the nation."

Kwekwe legislator, Blessing Chebundo, is the new party Chief Whip and will be deputised by Nomalanga Mzilikazi Khumalo, Member of Parliament for Mzingwane.

Glen Norah MP, Priscilla Misihairambwi Mushonga, is the new parliamentary spokesperson for the party.

Edward Mkhosi, the MP for Mangwe is the new shadow minister for Lands & Agriculture, with Harare North MP, Trudy Stevenson re-occupying the Local Government portfolio.

Moses Mzila-Ndlovu, MP for Bulilima is the new Foreign Affairs shadow minister, whilePumula-Luveve MP, Esaph Mdlongwa, takes over the Labour & Social Welfare portfolio.

Other appointments were, Blessing Chebundo (Health), Dvivarasekwa MP Edwin Mushoriwa (Economic Affairs), Lupane MP Njabuliso Mguni (Education & Culture), Pelandaba-Mpopoma MP Milton Gwetu (Industry and Commerce), Gweru Urban MP Timothy Mkhahlera (Home Affairs), Zengeza MP Goodrich Chambaira (Gender & Youth Development), Binga MP Joel Gabbuza (Mines), St Mary's MP Job Sikhala (Defence & Security) and Nkayi MP Abednico Bhebhe as Transport & Communications shadow minister.
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