Zaka west Member of the House of Assembly, Festus Dumbu, and Masvingo West Legislator, Tachiona Mharadze, were defeated in
provincial elections ahead of the party’s 2011 congress.
Despite calls by the party ‘s national organising department to co-opt
all members who contested posts ahead of the 2011 party congress, the 
Masvingo provincial executive defied the directive.

 The party’s national organising secretary, Nelson Chamisa, confirmed the
 development, adding that the move was aimed at strengthening the party
ahead of the polls.
Chamisa said he was suprised to learn that some losing candidates in the provincial elections had been left out.
“The congress is gone and we want to build our party,” said Chamisa. 
“The Masvingo provincial council recently co-opted the two legislators 
and three other people into the provincial executive.”
The MDC-T experienced infighting after the 2011 
national congress. In Masvingo, two distinct factions emerged, one 
led by incumbent provincial chairman, Wilstaff Sitemere, and the other
led by losing provincial chairman aspirant, Bernard Chiondegwa.
 Since the 2011 congress, the two factions remained at each other’s
 throats, threatening to tear party apart.
Chiondegwa, a Harare businessman and losing Chivi north MDC-T candidate,
was defeated by Sitemere.

 Sitemere’s faction, which is currently in control of party affairs
in Masvingo, has among its ranks Masvingo urban legislator, Tongai
 Matutu, Bikita west MP, Heya Shoko, party provincial spokesman,
 Harrison Mudzuri, and party provincial organiser, Ernest Mudavanhu, among others.
The Chiondegwa faction has the backing of Zaka
 senator, Misheck Marava, Masvingo west MP Mharadze, Dumbu, and Mwenezi
 MDC-T losing candidate, Charles Muzenda, among others.

 MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai recently called on warring party
factions in Masvingo to unite and work together.
Post published in: News