Massive defection to the UDF

Kudzai Kennedy Mavasa

Among key defectors are Leonard Mahora, Gideon Magadzire, Thomas Musirinofa, Kudzai Kennedy Mavasa, Nicholas Muguma, Siphiwe Mangulube, Douglas Nyathi, Mrs Dzidzai Zimbwa, Davy Dominic, Charles Mbowa, Precious Jacob and Philimon Mawere, Blessing Shiri and Ignitio Makaza.

Speaking on the sidelines of the official inauguration of the UDF, one of the defectors, Musirinofa, said the reason why he left the party is because the former Finance Minister, Biti had not fulfilled even of the many promises that he made.

“I left the PDP because of all the unfulfilled promises; there are no meaningful actions to help liberate the nation from the bondage of the Zanu PF.  In brief, there is no life in the PDP, only segregation. Former MDC-T members are treated with velvet gloves, while those of us with no Tsvangirai background are treated like second class members,” said Musirinofa,

Musirinofa added that the People Democratic Party is not a marketable brand especially in Gweru because of the bad behaviour of the district chairperson who was involved in snatching other people’s wives and his irregular land deals. He also claimed that scores of citizens from Midlands Province have been storming the Gweru office wanting to join the new party and embracing it.

“The UDF is the only party that carries the aspirations of the people”.

Philemon Mawere from Chief Mavedzenge in Shurugwi echoed these sentiments adding that Biti’s political party is like a misguided missile, calling it a non-principled political party. He claims that the party is desperate to decide whether it will join former Vice President, Joyce Mujuru’s Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) or go back to MDC-T.  Mawere invited all members from PDP and its leadership in other part of the nation to come and join the new UDF.

Another defector, Douglas Nyathi, the UDF Chairperson for Chiundura reported that almost all members, with the exception of three, have crossed the floor to join the United Democratic Front (UDF).

“Makina, Clemence Kwaru and his ‘small’ house remain in the party in Chiundura District. We are joined by some leaders from Zanu PF, MDC-T, Zapu, Mavambo Kusile among others. I cannot give names now,“ he said.

A source privy to the goings on of the newly established political party said the defectors are heavily involved in the groundwork in preparation of the official launch to be held in August 2016.

The UDF is lead by Silence Chihuri with deputy, Ms Thandiwe Musimamga based in the UK.

Contacted for comment by this journalist, a PDP spokesperson, Jacob Mafume said:”I am not aware of the political outfit you are talking about. Our structures are intact. What has it, the UDF,  done to merit interest?“ he asked. Mafume added: “We are all hands on deck, as the expression goes….they should focus on recruiting from the Zanu PF.  Recruiting members from opposition parties is like changing furniture in the house and then celebrating as if you have bought new sofas.”