MDC set to recall DPM from premiership

The party holds its National Standing Committee meeting today, where it is expected to be resolved that Mutambara swap positions with Welshman Ncube, who will become the deputy premier following his ascension to the party’s top post.

The robotics professor, who until last week was the leader of the smaller faction of the MDC, will then take over the Industry and Trade portfolio, which is presently being held by Ncube.

Sources within the party said they did not want to have two centres of power as this could be confusing to party structures.

“Since Mutambara decided not to contest for the presidency, we do not expect him to put up any resistance,” a source said.

Some within the party are said to be against Mutambara’s continued stay as the deputy prime minister fearing it would weaken the party, as the other principals, President Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai, were principals of their respective parties.

They also want the issue dealt with immediately to allow for reconciliation in the party after some “rebels” tried to stop Ncube from assuming the leadership post.

“We have to admit that Mutambara has become a lame duck principal and can hardly challenge either Mugabe or Tsvangirai as he does not have the moral high ground,” the source said.

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It has also been revealed that Paul Themba Nyathi will replace Ncube as the party’s negotiator in the ongoing inter-party talks to resolve outstanding issues of the Global Political Agreement. The other negotiator is secretary-general, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga.

The party’s deputy spokesperson, Kurau-one Chihwayi confirmed today’s meeting, adding that it would decide Mutambara’s fate.

“It is D-Day for him, as the party will be discussing things that were left hanging,” he said without confirming Mutambara’s recall.

Chihwayi said the meeting was meant to take stock of the party after the congress, held a fortnight ago, and also to implement a roadmap for the coming year.

“The real agenda is to reflect on the past, present and future of the party given that we have a new leader,” he said.

Legal experts have warned that only President Robert Mugabe can sanction the move to have Ncube replace Mutambara, but the deputy prime minister is expected to resign from his party post, paving way for the former secretary-general. Mutambara could not be reached for comment yesterday.

“The MDC-T was last year allowed to reshuffle their government, so I do not think it will be an issue for us,” another source said.