Source: Row as suspended Bhebhe signs MDC-T memos – NewsDay Zimbabwe September 26, 2017
AS the MDC-T teeters on the verge of a split, party’s structures in Matabeleland are miffed by the suspended national organising secretary, Abednico Bhebhe, who continues to convene district meetings throughout the region.
In clear defiance of his suspension, Bhebhe, last week, co-signed a memo with party vice-president Thokozani Khupe and party chairperson Lovemore Moyo to all party structures in Matabeleland advising them of the meetings, which the trio had organised.
According to the memo, which the three signed, the purpose of the provincial visits was to apprise members on the current voter registration exercise and “other relevant and emerging issues”.
“We write this memorandum to notify you that we shall be meeting all members of the party in your provinces to conscientise and sensitise members of the party on the recently-launched biometric voter registration exercise and on other relevant and emerging issues in preparation for the watershed 2018 national elections,” part of the memo reads.
Bhebhe was suspended from the party early this month on accusations of claiming to the media that MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai sent youth members to attack him, Khupe and Moyo during intra-party clashes that saw the three whacked at the MDC-T Bulawayo offices last month.
Provincial and district chairpersons dismissed the memo outright as a joke, saying Bhebhe had no right to call for a meeting while under suspension.
“Bhebhe is on suspension and he cannot call any meeting before he is cleared,” a Bulawayo provincial member, who declined to be named for fear of victimisation, said.
“(Amos) Chibaya is the acting organising secretary and he is the only person allowed to call for such meetings.
“Those meetings are illegal.”
The executive member also accused the three of usurping the constitutional powers of other party organs.
“All voter registration mobilisation campaigns are supposed to be coordinated by the relevant party organ headed by Senator Sesel Zvidzai.
“Why have they failed to notify other provinces of their meetings?” the executive member queried.
Khupe, Bhebhe and Moyo are not happy with the formation of the MDC Alliance, particularly the allocation of constituencies among parties.
The trio recently boycotted the launch of the alliance in both Harare and Bulawayo.
Tsvangirai formed the MDC Alliance with Transform Zimbabwe, Welshman Ncube’s MDC, Zimbabwe People First and other smaller parties.
When sought for comment, MDC-T deputy spokesperson Tabitha Khumalo referred all questions to the party’s spokesperson, Obert Gutu.
“Please talk to Gutu. I am busy,” she said before terminating the call.
Gutu said he could not comment, as he was out of town.
“I am away attending a Zec (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) workshop in Bulawayo and I haven’t been able to verify this allegation,” he said. “However, any suspended party member is prohibited from carrying out any party activities, directly or indirectly.”
Bhebhe said: “I am not aware of that. Get your facts correct before you come to me. Who are the chairmen that raised the issue?” — NewZimbabwe/Staff Reporter
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