“Recently, the province organised a rally addressed by party Treasurer General, Roy Bennett in Diepsloot without communicating with us. This is one of a number of actions that show disrespect for us. We now hear most of the activities that take part in the district from people who are not even members of the party, yet we should be informed to help organise and mobilise for the rallies,” said a disgruntled member.
The district leaders blamed the Sam Mavhunga-led provincial organising department of not communicating well with the district.
Another bone of contention was that the province had allegedly appointed provincial youth executive member Butholezwe Nyathi and Thembi Sibanda, the Women’s Assembly Provincial chair, to oversee the district without consultation.
Mncedisi Bhebhe, the party’s district Director of Elections for Johannesburg, denied a rift but admitted there were “things that needed to be ironed out” within the party.
MDC-SA spokesman, Kumbirai Muchemwa, said there was no discord. “I am surprised that any question of this nature should be asked at all because we are totally focused on the job at hand,” he said. “The reporting structures and procedures are clear and leave no room for discord, perceived or real.”
He denied the appointment of Nyathi and Sibanda, saying “There has been no decision by the Province to second any of its members to the Johannesburg District because they have our full confidence to implement party programmes in their respective area. No committee has been formed, nor is there any intention to ‘baby sit’ a fully functional executive organ.”
Post published in: News