By Thabani Zwelibanzi
Lawyer, Fadzayi Mahere has joined the MDC, immediately being announced as the party’s secretary for education, art, sports and culture in the party’s new national executive council (NEC), while there was also space for Douglas Mwonzora and Elias Mudzuri, who were vanquished at an elective congress.
It had long been rumoured that Mahere would join MDC, but her inclusion in the NEC will come as somewhat of a surprise.
After the announcement of the new executive, Mahere took to Twitter where she said: “Zimbabwe deserves a strong, united opposition to build the future.
“I’m happy to announce that I’ve officially joined the MDC. We must speak with one voice against bad governance and strive to create a nation that is free and prosperous.”
Legislator, Daniel Molokele is now the party’s spokesperson, replacing Jacob Mafume, who is now the MDC secretary for elections.
Molokele will be deputised by Luke Tamborinyoka, who was formerly the spokesperson for Morgan Tsvangirai, MDC’s late founding leader.
Civil society activist, Gladys Hlatwayo was chosen as the party’s secretary for international relations and will be deputised by Mwonzora, while Mudzuri was chosen as the MDC secretary for local government.
Other appointments include that of the party’s former deputy president, Morgen Komichi, who will now be secretary for presidential affairs, with his deputy being Lillian Timveous.
Settlement Chikwinya was made to settle for the transport and logistics post, while Amos Chibaya retained his position as the national organiser.
Chibaya has two deputies in Happison Chidziva and Sibusisiwe Bhuda Masara.
Tapiwa Mashakada comes into the national executive as the head of research and policy, with Ellen Shiriyedenga being his deputy.
Concilia Chinanzvavana and Jameson Timba will both deputise Charlton Hwende as secretary general.
The other positions were filled at the party’s elective congress in Gweru in May.
The MDC is now expected to go around the country introducing the new executive to party structures.
The party’s leader, Nelson Chamisa is expected to address a press conference on Thursday morning to explain his choices and map the way forward.
MDC has threatened protests but has not given an indication when these demonstrations would be held, amid fears of a security clampdown.
