Ncube MDC Rejects 'Looming Split' Reports

  • Ntungamili Nkomo
The MDC formation of Industry Minister Welshman Ncube on Wednesday dismissed as cheap propaganda reports by state media that it is mulling firing its secretary-general Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga.

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) reported that the party’s leadership was at war with Mushonga, accusing her of "corruption, nepotism, pride and despising her colleagues."

"Insiders say the party might be headed for a split with several senior members mulling a vote of no confidence motion in Mrs Misihairabwi-Mushonga," the Zanu PF-leaning state broadcaster claimed.

But MDC spokesman Nhlanhla Dube trashed the reports, calling them a total fabrication.

"That is something only known to the purveyors and peddlers of lies and fiction," Dube said. "The reality is that there is nothing of that nature happenig in our political party."

"It is an infentile attempt at plunder and divide, and it is not going to happen. All we would say to the followers of this great movement is that they should stay focussed. There is no chance that such a thing would happen," Dube added.

Repeated efforts to reach Misihairambwi-Mushonga were not succesful. But her deputy, Moses Mzila-Ndlovu, also poured cold water on the ZBC reports.

"The ZBC has never been our spokesperson," Mzila told VOA. "They have never in their history reported anything positive that we have done as a party."

Mzila, a legislator and National Healing Minister, said the split allegations were an attempt by ZBC to divide the party ahead of the general elections whose date has yet to be scheduled.