Resentment broods in MDC-M over Sibanda replacement

Financial Gazette

4 November 2010

By Levi Mukarati, Senior Political Reporter

THE Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-M) has formally written to President Robert Mugabe informing him of its selection of Moses Mzila Ndlovu, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, as a replacement of the late Gibson Sibanda in the Organ on National Healing, Reconciliation and Re-integration. Sibanda, the late deputy president of the smaller faction of the MDC led by Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, succumbed to cancer in August this year.
But it emerged this week that there is disgruntlement among some executive members and supporters of the MDC-M over the promotion of Mzila Ndlovu, who will assume a full ministerial post once his selection has been okayed by the President.
The Financial Gazette has established that party members linked to Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara are opposed to what they see as Mzila Ndlovu’s handpicking by MDC-M secretary-general, Welsh-man Ncube, and are pushing for a common position at the party’s next meeting.
Ncube is said to be in the running to succeed the MDC-M leader at the party’s next elective congress. Those opposed to the elevation of the Bulilima West House of Assembly member are accusing Ncube of trying to reward his faithful ahead of the party’s congress next year.
It is understood Ncube is lining up his lieutenants for various posts amid reports that the party spokesperson, Edwin Mushoriwa, could take up the MDC-M’s vice-presidency while Priscilla Misihai-rabwi-Mushonga could become secretary-general, deputised by Mzila Ndlovu. Misihairabwi-Musho-nga is currently the deputy secretary-general of the MDC-M.
Minister of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture, David Coltart may be seconded for treasurer-general while national chairperson, Joubert Mudzimumwe, could be replaced by former Zengeza legislator, Goodrich Chimbaira.
“Mzila Ndlovu has been over-shadowed in the ministry by Simbarashe Mumbengegwi of ZANU-PF that is why Ncube wants him to get a post where he can be visible and groomed for a senior position at the party’s congress next year,” said the source.
Ncube, who is believed to command support from about eight provincial structures, confirmed this week that the issue was now at the presidential level, but refused to name the person to take up the office left by the former MDC-M vice-president.
“We are pushing for that appointment because we believe the Organ on National Healing and Reconciliation is very important. Yes, we discussed the issue after Cabinet and the President’s Office assured us they are now looking at the best possible time to swear in our new member,” said Ncube.
“Unfortunately, I cannot give the names that are playing around because that is a prerogative of our party president, but I should say we will meet soon just to finalise on the issue before President Mugabe makes the formal appointment.”
Hardliners in the party, which broke away from the mainstream MDC in 2005 after disagreements over contesting in Senatorial elections in March that year, are heavily criticising Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara for what appears to be his endorsement of ZANU-PF.
The deputy premier recently shocked members of his party after supporting President Mugabe’s unilateral appointment of ambassadors to a number of countries in Europe and South Africa.