The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), once the mighty force that challenged Mugabe’s iron grip on power, is now a shadow of its former self. Senior founding member Morgen Komichi blame it all on late leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s failure to have a clear succession plan.
Komichi said: “Morgan’s failure to define who should succeed him split the party after his death in 2018. This lack of foresight has led to divisions, weakness and a loss of support.”
The MDC was formed in 1999 to bring change and democracy but now struggles after splits and infighting.
With Douglas Mwonzora now at the helm, the party failed to field candidates in some constituencies for the first time. Analysts say the 2023 vote could be the party’s last stand.
Lucia Matibenga, another founding member, said: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy but we were determined to fight for people’s rights. Through the ballot box, we believed we could bring real change.”
But Mwonzora claims: “I invite you for dinner before my inauguration at the State House. The MDC is going to form the next government.”
Analyst Simukai Tinhu disagrees: “Today the MDC is more dysfunctional than ever. It needs to win back hearts and minds if it is to enter history and not end up like ZUM.”
Has Tsvangirai’s succession blunder finally killed off Zimbabwe’s once mighty hope? Only time and the ballot box will tell.
