Chamisa to take over MDC-T presidency

Upenyu Chaota

MASVINGO – The recent elevation of Kuwadzana East legislator Nelson Chamisa together with Engineer Elias Mudzuri to position of vice-presidents respectively, was viewed as a well-planned succession plan by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) leader Morgan Tsvangirai, with majority party supporters in Masvingo saying Chamisa is poised to take over leadership from the former trade unionist.

The appointment came after the MDC-T national executive and national council convened a meeting soon after the return of Tsvangirai from sick leave where he has been recovering from colon cancer.

MDC-T Masvingo provincial executive member commenting on condition of anonymity said the appointment of Chamisa was meant to groom him before he can take over from Tsvangirai whose health has deteriorated.

“Chamisa has the power, zeal and ability. Tsvangirai knows Chamisa is the only person with the qualities to take over and this is the reason he appointed him vice-president in order to groom him before he finally takes over. Mudzuri has a lot of experience and he will assist the young man. 

“Mudzuri is more mature than Chamisa but the latter is the future. Under Tsvangirai’s guidance and Mudzuri’s coaching, there is no doubt that Chamisa will be handed the baton stick from our president. The succession plan has been mapped and it is from these three vice presidents where the next president will be elevated,” said the official.

MDC-T supporters took to social media to congratulate Chamisa for his new post rallying behind him to take over from Tsvangirai.

The Nelson Chamisa for President Facebook page was awash with congratulatory posts with people praising the decision by their president to invest in the party’s future.

“I’m very happy Hon Advocate. Glory to God who knows the future. Aluta continua!” reads one of the posts.

“Makorokoto mukomana tangira pasiirwa naSave I know u can do it. From Vice President to President,” another one posted.

Masvingo who have been behind Chamisa when he lost to Douglas Mwonzora in the race to the Secretary General post, have expressed confidence that Chamisa will take over party leadership from Tsvangirai.

Tsvangirai’s spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka, however, said the appointment of Chamisa and Mudzuri should not be misconstrued since it has nothing to do with succession.

“We all know that 2018 is a watershed election and there is a lot of ground which needs to be covered that is why our President appointed two more deputies to help him.

“President Tsvangirai did not appoint Chamisa and Mudzuri on his own. It was a recommendation given by the party’s National Council. Many will be asking why only people from Masvingo were chosen but in MDC we do not look at where one comes from but the ability to execute your assigned duties.

“I wonder why people talk of succession emanating from these appointments when Tsvangirai is still there. If one day Tsvangirai chooses to step down, there will be an elective congress to decide his successor. He does not have the power to appoint his successor,” said Tamborinyoka.news