MDC Leicester Branch Vows to Work Together

By Tichaona Manomano

The Leicester branch of the MDC Midlands North District commenced the year with a vibrant meeting on 09 January 2010 recording a massive attendance of members. The chairman, Mr Tawanda Machakaire asked members to provide ideas about events to be considered for the current calendar year.

It was suggested that the branch could; have barbeques, hold branch vigils, prepare food for sale during meetings, arrange for a stand during the Caribbean carnival, sponsor a marathon and promote Zimbabwean dance and modeling contests, social events including voluntary work, as part of the MDC’s contribution to the community.

Mr. Lawrence Madziva suggested that the branch holds three prayer meetings a year. As previously agreed during the end of year meeting on 12 December 2009, members agreed with the suggestion by the Vice Women’s chairperson (Mandiwengerei Zambezi) that the first prayer day be held in February or early March to coincide with the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) peace talks in Zimbabwe.

She went on to report that there have already been consultations with one Pastor and significant progress on the matter has already been made.  A committee that was set up comprising; Messrs. Zororo Mataruka and Lawrence Madziva, Mrs Juliet Makande, Miss Mandiwengerei Zambezi, Ms  Mary Muteyerwa, Ms Tryness Uzande was expected to provide feedback on progress during the next general meeting.

Women members took the opportunity to introduce their newly elected women’s committee comprising:

Juliet Makande                      Chairlady

Mandiwengerei Zambezi         Vice chairlady

Wendy Zhakata                      Secretary

Leah Muzhuzha                       Vice Secretary

Mary Muteyerwa                     Treasurer

Nyarai Gaba                            Vice Treasurer

Tryness Uzande                       Organising Secretary

Sheila Ndarukwa                      Vice Organising Secretary

Ashayi Chimuka                       Information and Publicity

Jennifer Senzere                      Committee member

Monica Baira                            Committee member

Wendy Zhakata (Women’s Secretary) reminded women that they should kick start fundraising events during all forth coming meetings. Anthia Ndlovu supported Wendy’s suggestion saying many MDC members are being discriminated by ZANU PF officials in food distribution programmes.  She proposed that as a party and a branch the MDC have a duty to look after our constituents.

The treasurer, Mr Ashton Zaranyika asked members to take their financial contributions seriously since the money was needed for venue rentals and other out of pocket expenses.  Mr. Dave Chitombo echoed the same sentiments asking members to contribute generously towards the funeral of Mr. Tshuma’s son who passed away at the end of 2009 as it is our moral obligation to do so.

Mr Pelani Ziba introduced the topical issue regarding the volatile situation in Zimbabwe and the precarious state of the GNU and, many were of the view that ZANU PF was an unrepentant and pathologically dishonest partner in government.

As a party, ZANU PF is making a mockery of the GNU by violating with impunity, the provisions of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) that was sponsored by SADC and is responsible for bringing about the relative but, fragile peace in Zimbabwe today.

There was a general consensus among those present that ZANU PF was determined to inflict untold suffering on MDC members through abductions, false imprisonments, selective use of the law and torture especially, during the run up to a General election so that they can foist upon the electorate, an illegal regime hell-bent on safeguarding its ill-gotten wealth.

While there has been an encouraging economic upturn since the inauguration of the GNU, the same cannot be said about the political prospects of the country.  ZANU PF’s siege mentality is showing no sign of abating as the Party continues to frustrate the constitutional reform process, sponsor violence against members of the MDC and disregard with calculated malice, the provisions of the GPA.

Mr. Prime Somerai advocated for more involvement from members in all party endeavors. Members promised greater participation in the year 2010 in order to defeat and remove ZANU PF from power, a feat that can only be achieved through cooperation, perseverance, fortitude and patience.

The meeting ended on a high note with the chairman encouraging cohesion and efficiency from everybody in order to achieve the Party’s goals. The meeting ended with all members promising to stick together as a Party and as Zimbabweans.

Tichaona Manomano - volunteer community reporter with HAT News