MDC president Nelson Chamisa faces a herculean task in making key party appointments following the recent elective Congress held in Gweru.
Chamisa has to appoint members to serve in the national standing committee, the party’s decision-making body.
Key posts that need to be filled include party spokesperson, organising secretary, secretary for elections, international relations and secretary for health.
A party insider who spoke to Newsday opined that there are some party loyalists who feel that the party rewarded “sellouts”. Said the source:
There are those in the party bitter after losing to members who once left the party. They think the party rewarded sellouts and these can be pacified by being appointed into the standing committee, but if they miss the bus, they could work against Chamisa.
Some of the top officials who will be looking forward to being roped into the top echelons of the party include former youth assembly leader Happymore Chidziva, current spokesperson Jacob Mafume and ex-organiser Amos Chibaya. These are all considered Chamisa’s allies.
Former vice-president Morgen Komichi and losing vice-presidential candidate Lilian Timveous are also close to Chamisa and will be expecting to be rewarded for their loyalty.
Tapiwa Mashakada, former secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, former treasurer-general Theresa Makone, Mbizo legislator Settlement Chikwinya, Murisi Zwizwai, backbencher Jameson Timba and former presidential spokesperson Luke Tambarinyoka are all pining to be roped into the Standing Committee.