Off-shoots have been the Mthwakazi National Party, led by online radio disc jockey, Ngqabutho Dhlamini, and the Mthwakazi Liberation Movement, led by maverick politician, Paul Siwela. The two parties are sworn enemies.
Since its formation in 2010, the MLF has been hit by high-profile resignations almost every month. At least 16 national executive members have left the meandering ship in the two years. Each member has accused the organisation of being run on dictatorial lines.
Some of the NEC members left are Edgar Gumede, its Vice-President, Secretary-general John Gazi, Chairperson Nonsikelelo Ncube, Treasurer-general Makhosini Khumalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Patricia Tshabalala, Organising Secretary Max Mnkandla and Secretary for Legal Affairs, Sabelo Mavikinduku Ngwenya. Most dominant of the allegations are that party leader, Fidelis Ncube, aka General Nandinandi, is a coward who has failed to lead the party.
Ncube has also been accused of being a Zanu (PF) impostor out to destroy the MDC-T’s dominance in Bulawayo. Former Secretary-general Siwela, incarcerated by Mugabe for months on treason charges, abandoned the MLF on September 30 to lead the MLO. Vocal on facebook, lacking coordination in Botswana, fractured in South Africa and non-existent in Zimbabwe, Siwela described the formation as a joke.
“There must be something wrong if you see all these people resigning but the other guys could not make news because they are not known. As the party is currently constituted, no one would give MLF recognition or support. There is no cohesion between SA and Botswana. Zimbabwe does not exist after all.”
Siwela blamed his resignation on political inconsistencies within the party. “Check previous statements attributed to David Magagula (MLF national spokesman), at times posing a Lieutenant General and Secretary-general of the party and simultaneously having Andreas Sibanda also appearing as the Secretary-General.”
Apparently, Siwela last month wrote to the MLF leadership complaining over Magagula’s use of his name to try to score cheap points. Siwela told The Zimbabwean that there was no independent agenda in the MLF, “except to threaten Shonas, Sata, Zimbabwe, and those who don’t agree with the way the party is run”. Magagula rubbished Siwela’s sentiments.
“Siwela tried to change the course and direction of MLF but was called to order. Siwela got himself arrested for wanting to become everything – president, secretary general and the youth,” said Magagula.
Post published in: News