Mwonzora appoints Khupe’s replacement in Parliament
MDC Alliance leader Douglas Mwonzora has replaced Thokozani Khupe in the National Assembly.
Khupe was recalled from Parliament on allegations of challenging and going against party leader Mwonzora.
In her defence, Khupe is of the view that Douglas Mwonzora rigged the party’s chaotic extraordinary congress that was held in December 2020.
This resulted in the two politicians pulling in different directions, leading to the decision to make the recalls.
Announcing the replacement in the National Assembly, Speaker Jacob Mudenda confirmed that Khupe was being replaced.
‘’On 31st May 2022, we received communication from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission on the appointment of the following Members of the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-A) to fill in the vacancies in the National Assembly that have occurred following the recall of Hon. N. Mguni and Hon. Dr. T. Khupe in terms of Section 124 (1) (b) of the Constitution with effect from 27th May 2022.
‘’The Hon. Members to be sworn in are Ndebele Visitor, representing Bulawayo Metropolitan Province and the other is Nyika Florence, representing Bulawayo Metropolitan Province.
‘’Section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that before a Member of Parliament takes his or her seat in Parliament, the Member must take the Oath of a Member of Parliament in the form set out in the 3rd Schedule.
‘’Section 129 (2) states that the Oath must be taken before the Clerk of Parliament. I, therefore, call upon the Acting Clerk of Parliament to administer the Oath of a Member of Parliament,’’ he said.
Khupe has since joined the Citizens Coalition for Change led by Nelson Chamisa.
The veteran female politician has reportedly been tasked with mobilising votes for the party in rural Matabeleland Provinces.
Khupe is a founding member of the MDC together with the late Morgan Tsvangirai and others. Her highest achievement came in 2009 when she was appointed one of the Deputy Prime Ministers during the time of the inclusive government.
Mwonzora appoints Khupe’s replacement in Parliament