By Rungano Dzikira

As the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC T) newly declared president Thokozani Khupe seeks to consolidate power, splinter MDC Alliance group led by Nelson Chamisa is fighting to maintain its strangle hold on party funds claiming accounts (local and nostro) were opened after March last year.

In a video circulated on MDC Alliance’s tweeter handle, Senator David Coltart assures prospective donors that the funds would be properly accounted for and appealed for them to visit the party website for clarity.

“In response to queries on whether Mme Khupe will lay claim on money donated through our new platform, we assure you that your money is safe.

“The local Zimbabwean bank account was created after May 2019 and has restricted signatories. The foreign account has even tighter controls,” he said.

This canvassing for donations comes in the wake of a sobering realisation that the MDC Alliance, led by Chamisa has no legitimate claim over political funds from treasury after Khupe won the legal battle over control of the MDC brand.

Over the years, the MDC has gained notoriety over the abuse of funds which has previously seen party workers going for months without salaries, while party leaders spent millions on holidays, women and acquiring personal property.