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Political Editor
THE Professor Welshman Ncube led MDC has been rocked by resignations with the latest being that of its Mutare-based secretary for international relations Mr Sandon Mugaradziko who ditched the party last Thursday citing personal commitments. Recently, the MDC’s director of policy and research Mr Qhubani Moyo, also quit the party saying he was leaving politics to focus on academia.

In his resignation letter copied to party president Prof Ncube, secretary-general Mrs Pricilla Misihairabwi Mushonga and national chairman Mr Goodrich Chimbaira, among other top officials, Mr Mugaradziko said he wanted to channel his energy on business.

“I write to resign from the MDC party, both as a member and as a portfolio secretary. The reasons why I am resigning from the party are purely personal. I need time to concentrate on my family and business.

“I have also recently enrolled with Africa University to study for my Masters in Peace, Leadership and Governance.
“These competing interests all demand my attention and have therefore decided to take a sabbatical on politics. I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can definitely adjust my sails to always reach my destination,” reads a letter leaked to the Herald.

Mr Mugaradziko was also a member of the party’s national executive and the standing committee and chairman for Manicaland province.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your stewardship of the party during my time in the party. It was a marvel working with you.
“I have learnt a lot and I do appreciate your guidance and support during my tenure as both the chairman for Manicaland Province and the various portfolios I held during my tenure in the national executive and the standing committee. I wish you and the party the best in preparing for 2018 general elections,” he said.

All is not well in the MDC, with some party officials in Matabeleland South baying for Mrs Mushonga’s blood after she was reportedly hand-picked by  Prof Ncube to represent Matabeleland South in Parliament under the woman’s quota.

MDC deputy spokesperson Mr Kurauone Chihwayi yesterday confirmed receipt of Mr Mugaradziko’s letter.
“Cde Mugaradziko is still a key member of the party whose concerns are being attended to. It is true that he wrote a resignation letter but there is an internal engagement process that is currently taking place.

“The MDC family is still in one piece. We are on course and we will soon roll out a number of programmes for our members and supporters. The MDC is not broke and is not in turmoil. We have the resources to last the battle,” he said.