Masebo Was On Way Out

29 June 2011

THE MMD has revealed that investigations that former party women’s chairperson Sylvia Masebo has been leaking sensitive information to the media and enemies of the party was concluded and preparations were on course for her expulsion.

The ruling party has also thanked Zambians for the dignified manner in which they mourned the late second president of the Republic of Zambia, Frederick Chiluba and called on Zambians to promote the spirit of love and reconciliation by rejecting media reports that were divisive.

The Post Newspaper of yesterday reported that Ms Masebo had authored a resignation letter to MMD National Secretary Richard Kachingwe.

Ms Masebo, however, later yesterday served Major Kachingwe with an affidavit in which she was claiming an order of interim injunction against the MMD national secretary not to terminate her membership from the ruling party or expelling her.

But Maj Kachingwe said in an interview that the move showed serious irregularity on the part of the Chongwe Member of Parliament (MP).

Ms Masebo sued Maj Kachingwe for suspending her from the party on grounds she termed were politically motivated.

Maj Kachingwe, who confirmed having received the ex parte hearing order from the High Court around 17:00 hours, said Ms Masebo’s actions were an indication that she was crooked in her politics.

“She has given her resignation letter to The Post newspaper before giving it to us, indicating that she has resigned from the party and again she has taken the MMD to court. One wonders what she is up to because these are indications of cheap politics.

“In short we can say she is operating very cheaply, we have finished our investigations and we are going ahead with our earlier plans. In fact I have just received the document now,” he said.

It was immoral for Ms Masebo to keep changing positions and asked her to join her friends quietly because the party was aware of all her secret meetings she had been holding.

Earlier, Maj Kachingwe said at a media briefing at the secretariat there had been conclusive findings on which Ms Masebo should have been expelled by June 30 and had done the party a favour to quit on her own.

Other national executive committee members demanded that Maj Kachingwe calls an urgent MMD high-level meeting last week but he declined, preferring to expel her on June 30 after a full meeting.

Maj Kachingwe said every detail from national executive committee (NEC) meetings were leaked to the media and that it had been proved that the Chongwe MP was responsible for the leakages.

He said time had come when the party would discuss matters without fear of leakages.

Maj Kachingwe said Ms Masebo should remember that she was responsible for de-registration of the Bus Drivers and Taxis Association, United Transport and Taxis Association and Public Transporters Association when she was minister of Local Government.

Ms Masebo should realise that she had now gone to a party where the leaders of the defunct associations were found.

Maj Kachingwe said he was aware that the Post would publish a story that Ms Masebo had joined PF even when that was public knowledge.

Meanwhile, the MMD national secretary said the death of Dr Chiluba should unite Zambians and that it was important for them to learn lessons that insulting one another was not good for the country.

And MMD youths have said Ms Masebo should not accuse President Banda of hating her but should simply admit her growing frustrations.

MMD youth treasurer, Evans Chibanda said youths in the party welcomed her resignation and wished her well.

Mr Chibanda said Ms Masebo could not accuse President Banda of hating her or being corrupt in his conduct, simply because she had left the party.

AllAfrica – All the Time