Gweru city councilors including the mayor have officially deserted the
Nelson Chamisa-led MDCA, aligning themselves with the Thokozani Khupe-led faction MDCT at a meeting held in the city over the weekend, it has been established.
The 16 councilors including MDC-A provincial executive members attended a meeting in Gweru which was chaired by MDCT acting national
chairperson Morgen Komichi where they all reportedly showed allegiance
to Thokozani Khupe-led faction as factional battles in the 20-year old
opposition party escalates.
Komichi confirmed the meeting saying he was happy that the councillors,
including the Midlands south provincial leadership have finally
crossed the floor to join the Khupe led party.
“All councilors pledged to honor the leadership of MDCT including Dr
Khupe and pledged to support the Supreme Court judgment to prepare
themselves for congress. We have retaken the province and soon we will
organize primary elections to replace Amos Chibaya who was recalled
from parliament,” he said.
Some councilors confirmed attending the meeting and pledged to work
with Dr Khupe’s executive in organizing the congress set for December.
Ward 15 councillor Trust Chinene however denied crossing the floor and
said they attended the meeting as party deployees using the 2014
structures.
“Yes we met with party leadership and indeed with Komichi after
getting the green-light from our leaders,” said Chinene.
“We are using the 2014 structures to get an understanding of what is
happening in the party with a view of preparing for the congress.”
Among those who attended the meeting were mayor Josiah Makombe, his
deputy Clr Cleopas Shiri, Clr Albert Chirau, Clr Trust Chinene, Clr
Charles Chikozho, Clr Martin Chivhoko, among others.
