The MDC-T (Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai) has initiated the process of finalizing administrative arrangements for the retrenchment of some of its workforce. As part of this process, certain workers are expected to receive their gratuities.
The party aims to address what it perceives as “collusion by internal renegades” who are allegedly collaborating with former senior party members. This development follows a series of grievances raised by workers who threatened to take over Harvest House, the party’s headquarters, in protest against unpaid salaries, corruption, misuse of trust funds, and neglect of properties by certain members of the party’s National Standing Committee.
In an attempt to address the worker revolt, senior officials of the MDC-T called for a meeting with workers’ representatives at Harvest House. The minutes of this meeting are reportedly in the possession of The Herald.
While the party leader, Mr. Douglas Mwonzora, initially commented on the matter before referring questions to the secretary-general, Dr. Tapiwa Mashakada, he blamed former senior opposition officials for collaborating with internal individuals to disrupt the party. He also confirmed the impending retrenchments.
Regarding salary issues, Dr. Mashakada clarified that there were exaggerations made by the workers, and the party only owes two months’ worth of salaries. He emphasized that the MDC-T, like other organizations, is facing economic challenges and is engaging with the workers to settle the outstanding two-month salary debt, which stems from the government grant received in July.
Dr. Mashakada further stated that disclosing the details of the retrenchments, including the names and total number of affected individuals, would be a security issue, as it is politically sensitive and could potentially harm the party.
He explained that the MDC-T is facing attacks from individuals working with internal stakeholders who aim to portray the party as weak and unstable, drawing comparisons to the CCC (Citizens Coalition for Change).
Dr. Mashakada highlighted that the party has already commenced a restructuring exercise as part of its “reset, restart, recover” plan in preparation for the upcoming round of harmonized elections in 2028.
