The requirement, which has been on paper since the party was formed in 1999, was fully implemented recently, when submissions of applications to participate in coming elections were opened.
Aspiring candidates are required to declare movable and immovable assets such as vehicles, houses, farms and business properties, “This will help the party fight corruption among its elected officials and other key members,” said MDC-T spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora.
Highly placed inside sources said the declaration of assets has never been as active as now.
“The requirement has never been this effective. This time, the asset declaration form is attached to application forms to participate in coming elections on MDC-T ticket. The party has sent out a clear signal that it does not tolerate corruption,” said an MDC-T National Executive member on condition of anonymity.
MDC-T has been dogged by corruption, mainly by elected ward councillors. The corruption was most prevalent in Chitungwiza were some ward councilors were later expelled from MDC-T.
“As a party, we hope that with the declaration of assets, we will win the war against corruption. We are a zero corruption tolerance party and will eventually weed out undesirable elements from among us,” said Mwonzora.
Last year, MDC-T asked its members of parliament and other top party officials to voluntarily declare their assets to tame corruption. A few took heed of the call but the momentum eventually died.
Last year the MDC-T expelled corrupt councillors including Harare city fathers Emmanuel Chiroto (deputy mayor), Peter Marange (ward 49), Phumulani Musagwiza (ward 22), Xavier Vengesai (ward 28). From Bindura city fathers Ivory Matanhire (ward 4), Vengai Mudadi (ward 8) and Rickson Kaseke were expelled from MDC-T.
MDC-T went on to dismiss Gweru councillors Tedius Chimombe (ward 9), Clemence Kwaru (ward 17) and Holly Dzuda (ward 2). From Zvishavane, the party expelled Alois Zhou while Johannes Ngozo was dismissed from Kwekwe.
The dismissals were announced by MDC-T deputy secretary general, Dr Tapiwa Mashakada, who chaired the commission.
Post published in: News