The MDC is in fresh turmoil over a proposal to pay a gratuity to the family of the party’s founding leader, Morgan Tsvangirai. Newsday...
The MDC is in fresh turmoil over a proposal to pay a
gratuity to the family of the party’s founding leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.
Newsday reports that the party last week received $1,8
million from the government as part of its share under the Political Parties
Finance Act.
“The party received the money last week and there was an
immediate proposal from some senior leaders including the secretary-general
(Douglas Mwonzora) to pay a gratuity of $500 000 to former president
Tsvangirai’s family, as a show of gratitude for the work he did during his time
as leader of the party.
“The argument was that it is the only way the party could
thank the family and the late icon of our democratic struggle.
“But this was shot down by people very close to the
president (Nelson Chamisa). Instead, their counter proposal was a measly $10
000. It was shocking,” a source said.
Chamisa’s spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka said: “I can
confirm that, indeed, the party received its share from the government under
the Political Parties Finance Act. The rest is nonsense. It’s hogwash.”
But, the sources insisted party deputy treasurer-general,
Charlton Hwende, proposed an upward review to $50 000.
“Hwende proposed that Tsvangirai’s family gets $50 000, but
some still felt this was an insult, given the former president’s contribution
to the party in the past 18 years. He deserves better from the party that he
toiled so much for.”
NewsDay also heard that those agitating for the gratuity
payout wanted Tsvangirai’s dependents divided into three categories so that
theycould also benefit.
“Tsvangirai’s mother will have to be looked after, his wife
Elizabeth (Macheka) and the children. There are those who are in college, the
party has to make sure they finish school, then there is the issue of the minor
child.”
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