Former Zanu PF MP Mbalekwa joins MDC

By Lance Guma
03 July 2007

Former Zanu PF Member of Parliament for Zvishavane, Pearson Mbalekwa, has joined the Movement for Democratic Change. Mbalekwa, a former member of Zanu PF’s influential central committee, was formally introduced to party supporters at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru at the weekend. He remained unreachable Monday through to Tuesday but Nelson Chamisa a spokesman in the Tsvangirai MDC confirmed the development. He told Newsreel that every Zimbabwean who was willing to ‘realise’ change was welcome into the party. ‘Our broad objective is to involve all Zimbabweans and we will be fishing in Zanu PF rivers hoping to catch more fish,’ he added.

In 2005 Mbalekwa resigned from the ruling party protesting Operation Murambatsvina which displaced over 700 000 people and destroyed the livelihoods of many more. At the time he described the campaign as ‘callous and inhumane,’ and told a local weekly newspaper, ‘I am a man of principle and could not be seen to be part of the whole exercise which has caused untold suffering to people whom we claim to represent.’ Interestingly Mbalekwa is a close friend of former Information Minister Jonathan Moyo, a man credited with creating the repressive media environment in the country.

The two reportedly linked up with businessman Daniel Shumba under the United Peoples Movement (UPM) but the alliance soon fizzled out to leave Shumba as the only notable figure. Asked if Mbalekwa’s joining signalled the possibility of Moyo following suit, Chamisa said ‘ours is a revolutionary train with unlimited seats and we welcome anyone who wants to fight for change.’ Several other high profile citizens have joined the MDC in recent years including academic Professor Heneri Dzinotyiwei, nationalist and businessman Patrick Kombayi and former University of Zimbabwe Vice Chancellor Professor Gordon Chavunduka.

Political analyst Innocent Mupara told Newsreel the latest development was nothing new and that the country’s history was dotted with people jumping ship and joining other political parties. In Mbalekwa’s case he warned the MDC to handle him with care because of his long association with Zanu PF. He however conceded there was benefit in political parties opening their doors to new members since this was the whole objective behind their formations. Mupara was a bit more hesitant to endorse an acceptance of Tsholotsho MP Jonathan Moyo within the opposition ranks in light of the immense damage he inflicted on the media environment.