By Christopher Makaza

MDC President Nelson Chamisa has admitted that there is massive corruption in MDC run councils, highlighting that quick and significant change of lifestyle when one becomes an MDC councillor or MP is very common in the opposition party.

Addressing party members at a provincial assembly meeting held in Bulawayo recently, the main opposition leader said continuous exposure of the MDC leaders’ corrupt tendencies by the media was a shot in the face, bringing the image of the party into disrepute ahead of 2023 general election.

Chamisa said most of the MDC councillors and MPs now view MDC as an employment agency where they can get opportunities for employment in local authorities and Parliament.

Chamisa also said some unnamed senior party officials would be investigated.

Early this month, the party was reported to have engaged external auditors after over US$2 million was stolen from its coffers by some party leaders.

MDC run councils have often been accused of corruption and gross incompetence. Since the opposition party took over most urban councils in 2000, service delivery had been on a nosedive.

Last month MDC Harare Provincial Chairperson, Wellington Chikombo told a Provincial Executive  Committee meeting held at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House (MRTH)  that the MDC provincial leadership was not happy with Harare councillors, particularly ward 1 councillor Tendai Katasira, ward 28 councillor Chihama Runyowa, ward 37 councillor Jason Kauda, ward 17 councillor and MDC Secretary for Elections Jacob Mafume.

Chikomo said the aforementioned councillors were involved in illegal land dealings among other corrupt activities. His sentiments were supported by other leaders at the meeting which was also attended by the councillors.

According to Chikomo, the corrupt councillors were dishonestly acquiring residential and commercial stands which they later sell to land seekers. He said the councillors were using their relatives’ and friends’ names to acquire the stands from council.