By Paul Nyathi
The Bulawayo Province MDC-T faction under the leadership of Nelson Chamisa has come down hard on party members suspected to be aligned to the faction led by Thokozani Khuphe.
The provincial executive dismissed with immediate effect at least 17 members from the party after they were suspected to be involved with the Khuphe faction.
The diamissed officials include provincial secretary Nomvula Mguni, women’s assembly chairperson, Tamani Moyo, local government secretary, Aleck Gumede, information and publicity secretary, Beauty Lifa, Mildred Reason Mangena, Ward 18 chairperson, Mildred Ncube, ward 29 chairperson, Emmelia Moyo, district organiser, Samson Mubemi Magwegwe, and Dorcus Ncube.
Also fired are party youth Mqondisi Balanda Moyo, Alfred Dzirutwe, Sphathisiwe Moyo, Nkanyiso Mabhena, Sibongile Moyo, a Stanley and a Sbyleen.
The MDC-T axe also fell on the party’s district women’s assembly chairpersons from Makokoba, Mpopoma, Njube-Lobengula, Pumula and Magwegwe.
These are Edward Simela (Mpopoma/Pelandaba main wing district), a Masuku (Nkulumane main district), Mavis Mlilo, Flora Gumbo, a Matshazi, a Chingundla and a Ponah, who are general members.
Provincial spokesperson Felix Magalela Sibanda confirmed the development in a statement, accusing the axed officials of snubbing party programmes, among other allegations.
“On March 25, the provincial executive fired some errant MDC-T members from the party. Those who are either MPs or councillors will be recalled from Parliament or council, whatever the case maybe,” he said.
“They were fired primarily for putting the party into disrepute and disregarding national council resolutions, failure to attend party meetings and programmes,” he said.
The purge comes a few days after the MDC-T national council fired Khupe, former national organising secretary, Abednico Bhebhe and former national spokesperson, Obert Gutu, for refusing to recognise Chamisa’s appointment as substantive party leader following the death of its founder, Morgan Tsvangirai in February this year.
“It was resolved that all in Parliament or council should be recalled, henceforth. For all fired have the right to appeal within 14 days.