Southend-On-Sea Branch Elections Held on 13 February 2011

MDC Southend New War Cabinet

The Southend on Sea branch elections held on 13 February 2011 at St Helen’s Church. The meeting had an impressive turnout of observers so the venue had to be changed to a larger one that could accommodate everyone. The Outgoing Chairman, Stanford Biti opened by apologising for the late start caused by the venue change. He gave a stirring discourse on the outcome of the elections going either you would win or you would lose but the fundamental truth was that we would not cease to be MDC members. He stressed that voters should vote for only the committed.  There were only six members of the outgoing committee present. It was sad to note that other members of the committee left their posts after regularising their stay in the United Kingdom. The attendance was extraordinary, present were Provincial Representatives, South East District Representatives and South East Branch Chairpersons. The Interim District Chairperson, Mr Matambanadzo explained that the purpose of the elections was for the setting up of a war cabinet to get rid of the despot Gabriel Robert Mugabe. After 31years of authoritarian rule it was time to get serious about getting Mugabe out of power. He echoed Mr Biti’s sentiments that the people to be elected must be dedicated to the liberation of Zimbabwe. There were grunts of agreement throughout the room.

The New  Branch Committee (War Cabinet) for Southend On Sea is:  

Branch Chairperson: Stanford Biti

Vice Chairperson:  Jameson Mashakada     

                       

Branch Secretary: Joao Matandirani

                       

Organising Secretary: Charles Dhliwayo

                                   

Treasurer: Vincent Mashakada

                                   

Women’s Chairperson: Ottilia Guvamombe

                                   

Youth Chairperson: Lyna Mutambanuki

                                   

Committee Members: Angelbert Munjanja, Emily Madamombe  & Patrick Nyamwanza  

After the results of the polls were announced and the process was declared free and fair Mr Matambanadzo then proudly presented the new “War Cabinet” for Southend-On-Sea to much jubilation and cheering. It was clear to those who attended that the entire branch was satisfied with the results that had been achieved.All the Provincial representatives in attendance then congratulated the newly appointed Branch Committee aka The “War Cabinet” for Southend-On-Sea thus:

Tonderayi Samanyanga proudly congratulated Southend-On-Sea branch for being organised and knowing exactly what we wanted.

Jeff Sango took the opportunity to lament the existence of corruption in the party. On a positive note he encouraged the committee members to focus on action over talk.

Suzett Kwenda the Portfolio Secretary for International Affairs warmly congratulated the War Cabinet. She enthused about the reception she had been given by the branch and its leaders.

The returning Chairperson, Stanford Biti enthused that what the branch had achieved was amazing; to thunderous applause. All the members of the new Southend on Sea branch committee made a pledge to work for the advancement of the Party. The excitement and expectation in the air was almost palpable. The entire process was untainted, organised and conducted in a spirit of political maturity.  The War Cabinet chairperson, Mr. Stanford Biti adjourned the meeting at 2115hrs. There was much feasting and celebration after the official proceedings. There were congratulations all round. Oh how the spirits of democracy, unity and progress must have danced the night away!

Audrey Charowa
MDC Southend Hausunde