By Mirinda Tom

The not so subtle factional battles within the MDC Bulawayo structures continue to escalate with reports suggesting that the party leader, Nelson Chamisa is slowly losing grip of the province, the Harare Post can report.

A Bulawayo Provincial Assembly member, who spoke to the publication on condition of anonymity, revealed that during the National Women’s Day celebrations held over the weekend in Nketa District, a brawl ensued after the provincial women’s assembly Chairlady, Tendai Masotsha was confronted by the members from the Chamisa camp and accused of selling out to the former provincial assembly Chairperson, Gift Banda camp.

“During the Women’s Day celebrations at Nketa Hall over the weekend there was chaos after some members from Chamisa camp openly questioned Masotsha’s allegiance, alleging that she was selling out to the Banda camp,” revealed the source.

The source added that Masotsha was in defiant mood, accusing the Chamisa camp of being disorganised.

“Masocha was bullish when confronted, lashing out at Chamisa’s followers accusing them of not being forthcoming, she also claimed that the faction was not financially resourced to carry out party programmes in the province,” he added.

Further investigations by the publication revealed that the Banda camp is rejoicing as it feels that it has regained control of the province after being snubbed during the 2019 provincial conference.

The Banda faction has since initiated financial mobilisation programmes targeting the 2023 harmonised elections for its faction members ahead of the legislators and councillors from the Chamisa camp.

Chamisa is slowly losing control of the Bulawayo province as most of the members are accusing the leader of imposing executive members aligned to him while side-lining others, recently Chamisa announced the plans to dissolve the Bulawayo structures, a clear sign of a leader losing control.