This has deeply divided the party in Bulawayo, with some supporters leaving the party in frustration. Relations between Khupe and organs such as the MDC Veterans Activists Association (VAA) has plummeted.
The VP was last week subjected to a barrage of attacks during a ceremony organised by VAA at the homestead of Regina Ndlovu, a victim of political violence whose house was burnt down by Zanu (PF) supporters in 2002. Members contributed money towards the re-construction of the house.
“All Shona speaking people have been removed from the party’s structures in Bulawayo – yet Khupe wants their votes during elections. Surely we cannot build this party by pursuing tribalism,” Isaac Mpofu, the provincial chairman, told the meeting.
Khupe is also accused of imposing her friends and relatives in leadership positions. “Khupe brought Gift Banda from outside the party’s structures and arm-twisted councillors to vote for him as deputy mayor. Now she is trying to impose him as the provincial chairman,” said a party activist who refused to be named for fear of victimisation.
Bulawayo High Court judge Martin Makonese recently nullified the electoral nomination of Banda following an urgent chamber application filed by Mzilikazi senator Matson Hlalo challenging the deputy mayor’s eligibility to contest in the elections.
Khupe has also been accused of purging all workers believed to be aligned to ousted former National Organising Secretary Nelson Chamisa and replacing them with her relatives. Her personal driver, Witness Dube, has already assumed the post of organising director replacing Farai Chinobva who was forced to quit.
The VP is also said to have elevated her housemaid, only identified as Bongie, as secretary to Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora. Another relative, Melusi Nyathi, has reportedly been earmarked for a powerful post at Harvest House. Khupe refused to comment.
Post published in: News