Chamisa And Mudzuri In Public Spat

MDC-T deputy presidents, Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri engaged in a public spat at an MDC-Alliance rally at Huruyadzo shopping centre in Chitungwiza yesterday, after the former barred the latter from speaking on behalf of the party, claiming he was anointed by party leader, Morgan Tsvangirai to lead the grouping. In the absence of Tsvangirai, Mudzuri is MDC-T acting president, while Chamisa leads activities to do with the MDC Alliance.

At the Chitungwiza rally, Mudzuri was invited to the stage to speak, but Rosiwita Madzivire, from the Agrippa Mutambara-led Zimbabwe People First that is part of the alliance, sat him down in favour of Chamisa. Mudzuri had arrived late when other principals were already at the rally and Chamisa reportedly decided to give him the role of giving the vote of thanks.

Unhappy with the decision, Mudzuri objected and said he should have time to speak as MDC-T acting president, leading to a showdown at the high table that was again quelled by some alliance partners. This forced Mudzuri to snub a slot to address the rally. The vote of thanks was later given by Settlement Chikwinya, a member of the People’s Democratic Party led by Tendai Biti. Mudzuri snubbed the Mutare rally last week after his name was missing from the programme.