The MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa is on a charm offensive to lure back some of the party’s founder members that fell by the wayside during previous splits as the battle for the soul of the country’s largest opposition party gathers pace.
Chamisa’s rivals in the MDC Alliance Douglas Mwonzora and Morgen Komichi a fortnight ago threw their weight behind MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe after the Supreme Court ruled that the main opposition party’s 2018 presidential election candidate was not the legitimate leader of the party.
Khupe was given the mandate to organise an extraordinary congress within three months to elect a successor to the party’s founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai using the 2014 structures.
Chamisa has remained mum about the judgement, but MDC Alliance insiders said his lieutenants were hard at work pushing to pull the rug from under the former deputy prime minister’s feet by wooing the party’s founder members to fight in his corner.
MDC Alliance secretary-general Chalton Hwende confirmed that some former party members had shown interest in recent weeks to retrace their footsteps to Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House.
Hwende said a committee led by the party’s deputy president Welshman Ncube had been tasked to handle the issue,
“On day-to-day basis, we receive enquiries from former members and some of them from the MDC-T who want to come to the MDC Alliance and we have set-up a committee, which is led by vice-president Welshman Ncube, which also includes the national chairperson [Thabitha Khumalo] to deal mostly with former senior members who want to come back to the party,” he said. “Without mentioning the names of the people, yes, I can confirm that there are a lot of former members who have indicated their interest to come back to the party.
“The politics is clear that someone is either with Zanu-PF or MDC and we are calling for the people to join the MDC Alliance.”
Some of the former heavyweights whose names have been mentioned among those interested in joining the MDC Alliance are former Speaker of the House of Assembly Lovemore Moyo, who now leads the United Movement for Devolution (UMD), MDC-T chairman Abednicho Bhebhe, former Water and Climate minister Samuel Sipepa Nkomo, and top leadership of Zapu. Sipepa Nkomo said he was aware of the engagements, but dismissed claims that he was about to rejoin the MDC Alliance or politics.
“I know what you are talking about; politicians are talking about supporting Chamisa, but me as Sipepa Nkomo, you know that I retired from active politics. I am not going back into politics, I am retired,” Nkomo said.
“When I retired, I met Chamisa and I told him that I have been in politics for 50 years and I am retiring. “I also told him that I would always be open to be approached for consultation and advice.”
Moyo said officials from across the political divide in Matabeleland had been talking of strategies to defend their territory and push for the development of the region in the face of prolonged marginalisation since independence.
“It’s certainly not true that I am joining the MDC Alliance,” he said. “I am a president of UMDC, how can I join another party?
“What I really know is that Matabeleland politicians have been talking and talking to someone does not mean you are joining him.
“It is a long process up to 2023. We talk to everyone except Zanu-PF and it does not mean that when you talk to Zapu you are joining it. “We are going to collaborate with any political party as long as it supports devolution.
“We had conversations in the past month and, yes, I am aware there could be some members going back to MDC Alliance.
“I go into talks with different parties ahead of 2023 and our idea is that we must not split votes.” Bhebhe said he was in support of all opposition parties uniting.
“I am for the united opposition to end the suffering of the people,” he said.
“Zimbabwe has been in turmoil for the past 40 years and it is sad that people jump from party to party looking for jobs. “I have seen people saying they want me to be their MP in this party or that. I have passed that stage.
‘I am a businessman by the way, I earn far much better than an MP sitting in Parliament.
“I am tired of people saying I am this party, I belong to that party when it does not help the country anyhow.”
Info News
DUI Lawyer Cost: How Much Defense Can Really Cost
A DUI charge can affect your license, job, insurance, reputation, and freedom. Many people focus only on the court fine, but the real cost of a DUI can be much higher. Hiring a DUI lawyer may feel expensive, but not having the right defense can cost even more.
The cost of a DUI lawyer depends on several factors. These include the seriousness of the charge, whether it is a first offense, whether anyone was injured, the lawyer’s experience, the location of the case, and whether the case goes to trial.
A simple first-time DUI may cost less than a case involving an accident, high blood alcohol level, child passenger, refusal to test, or repeat offense. Some lawyers charge a flat fee, while others charge hourly. Trial representation usually costs more because it requires additional preparation.
A DUI can also create hidden costs. You may have court fines, license reinstatement fees, higher car insurance premiums, ignition interlock costs, alcohol education classes, towing fees, probation fees, and lost income from missing work.
A DUI defense lawyer can review whether the traffic stop was legal, whether the officer followed proper procedures, whether the breath or blood test was accurate, and whether your rights were violated. In some cases, evidence may be challenged or charges may be reduced.
The goal of a DUI lawyer is not always to “beat” the case completely. Sometimes the goal is to reduce penalties, protect your license, avoid jail, or negotiate a better outcome.
Before hiring a DUI attorney, ask what the fee includes. Does it include court appearances? Trial? License hearings? Motions? Payment plans? Clear answers can help you avoid surprises.
A DUI is serious. The right lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and make better decisions during a stressful time.
Best Online MBA Programs for Career Growth
An online MBA can be a strong option for professionals who want to grow their careers without pausing work. The best programs combine flexibility, reputation, and real-world business skills.
Many working professionals choose an online MBA because it allows them to keep earning while studying. That flexibility makes it easier to balance school, family, and career responsibilities at the same time. For people who want to move into leadership roles, an MBA can also help strengthen management, finance, and strategy knowledge.
Before choosing a program, check accreditation first. A respected and accredited school is more likely to be valued by employers and other institutions. You should also think about whether the program offers part-time study, accelerated classes, or live sessions that fit your schedule.
Cost is another major factor. Some MBA programs are expensive, but tuition should be weighed against long-term career value. If the degree helps you qualify for promotions, new roles, or higher pay, it may be worth the investment.
You should also review the curriculum. Some programs focus more on general management, while others emphasize finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or data analytics. Picking the right focus can help you align the degree with your career goals.
Networking opportunities can matter too. A strong MBA program may connect you with classmates, faculty, alumni, and employer relationships that can support your career growth. That can be just as valuable as the classes themselves.
The best online MBA program is the one that fits your schedule, supports your goals, and gives you a clear path toward better career opportunities.
