'Victoria Fall mayor defection good riddance,' says MDC-T

THE MDC-T has dismissed the recent defection of its former councillor and Victoria Falls mayor Nkosilathi Jiyane to join Zanu-PF as "good riddance" and accused him of being uncommitted to serve public interests.

Jiyane's relationship with MDC-T took a nosedive three years ago after the former accused top party leaders of persecuting him and interfering with his job.

In an interview yesterday, MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora said: "MDC has never been short of manpower which wants to work for the benefit of the people. Jiyane's defection is good riddance, because he has never served the interests of the people who elected him. We are not bothered by his departure, but what I will tell you is that the party will win the seat," he said.

However, Zanu-PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo said his party embraced Jiyane.

"We welcome him indeed. He has eventually seen the light that the MDC-T has no people-oriented programmes. We will be happy working with him," said Gumbo.

Jiyane announced his defection to Zanu-PF during a rally at Sizinda Secondary School in Victoria Falls at the weekend. The rally had been organised by Zanu-PF Umguza MP and Mines minister Obert Mpofu. Jiyane said he felt "warm" among Zanu-PF leaders as they were orderly and respectful. Ironically, prior to his defection Jiyane had just been appointed by Mpofu to the Hwange Colliery Company board.

Last June, Jihane sparked a storm within the MDC-T after he caused the arrest of seven party youths whom he accused of assaulting him.

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