Political reporter
It never rains for the MDC Alliance Bulawayo Province with reports suggesting that there are plans to dissolve the provincial structures as a way of neutralising the factional wars bedevilling that party.
A highly placed source in that party’s provincial executive committee revealed to this publication that a faction led by Tsepiso Helen Mpofu which is fighting the incumbent provincial chairperson, James Sithole, threatened to dissolve structures if Sithole was not expelled from the party. Sithole is facing allegations of hobnobbing with the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T and still pretend to be loyal to the MDC Alliance.
According to the source, the move to expel Sithole was being orchestrated by Matson Hlalo, who is eyeing for the post of the provincial chairmanship.
“Hlalo is financing and has captured the party’s provincial security department to gather evidence and push for the expulsion of Sithole. Apparently, the security department is threatening members perceived to be supporting Sithole. The department is working overtime on finding more incriminating evidence against Sithole to justify his expulsion”, said the source.
Another impeccable source close to Sithole revealed to this publication that the provincial chairperson was being targeted by Mpofu because he was yet to be recalled from parliament as with the case of other MDC-A legislators.
“Tsepiso just got angry by the fact that Sithole was not recalled from parliament and started spreading rumours that Sithole is Mwonzora’s blue eyed boy. She gave Sithole two options, either to retain the post of chairmanship or resign from parliament. Neither of the options are working for Sithole because he is already owing TV Sales, where he upgraded his home furniture and has a loan at the bank. He wishes to continue with the term such that he services his debts”, said the source.
The factional fights in MDC Bulawayo Province have divided that party with some members having lost the confidence in the party’s national leadership. Nelson Chamisa was being accused of turning a blind eye on the developments in Bulawayo Province despite his recent visit to same. Sithole is believed to be leading a faction of Shona tribe members against Hlalo who is believed to be advancing the interests of Ndebele people.
