By Edward Makuzva
Movement for Democratic Change Tsvangirai (MDCT) Vice President Engineer Elias Mudzuri has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to reconciliation, restructuring, and reclaiming its space in Zimbabwean politics, saying efforts currently underway are not a battle for individuals or buildings, but a national mission to rebuild a viable opposition ahead of the 2028 elections.
Speaking at a media Briefing, Eng Mudzuri said the party had reached a critical stage where Zimbabweans must look beyond internal disputes and refocus on the bigger picture of democratic opposition politics.
“I am more worried about the Zimbabwean population. I am more worried about the whole Zimbabweans who want to see MDC grow,” he said. “The efforts we are making are not a fight against Douglas Mwonzora or any other opposition leader, but a fight to bring back what used to be MDC.”
Road to Congress Under Joint Steering Committee
Following a court judgment that resulted in two groupings – one aligned to Eng Mudzuri and another to former president Douglas Mwonzora agreeing to pave a joint pathway toward an elective Congress, Eng Mudzuri confirmed that a steering committee will soon be announced to “start the ball rolling.”
The committee, he added , will incorporate representatives from all provinces, drawing from what he described as a joint implementation structure modeled around the mechanisms used during the inclusive government era.
“This setup is going to have a steering committee, comprised of negotiators and representatives from our provinces. It will ensure there is no overlap and no exclusion,” Mudzuri explained.
He emphasized that the Congress process is designed to return legitimacy, restore confidence, and reignite participation among thousands of supporters who felt sidelined, discouraged, or abandoned since the passing of founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
The Harvest House Dispute
Once the unmistakable headquarters and symbol of opposition politics in Zimbabwe, Harvest House (now Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House) remains at the center of MDC dynamics.
Eng Mudzuri confirmed that a fresh legal attempt by Mwonzora to block access had been struck off the court register this week.
“We are proud to announce that Mr. Mwonzora fell again in a court attempt to remove us from Harvest House,” he said. “Harvest House is not a place of battle. It belongs to all MDC members and the people of Zimbabwe.”
Eng Mudzuri revealed that while disruptions continue to delay press conferences and engagements, the party remains undeterred.
“Our mission is nation building as an opposition political party,” said Eng Mudzuri. “We are not here for child’s play. We are here to rebuild what once stood strong.”
Reawakening the Legacy of 1999
Eng Mudzuri appealed to the public, former members, and sympathizers to set differences aside and rejoin the movement, reminding them of the party’s historic origins and national footprint.
“What used to be MDC encompasses a lot of followers who started as early as 1999,” he added. “Some left, some came back, some even went to ZANU-PF. But today, no single opposition movement is strong enough to challenge ZANU-PF in 2028 unless we come together.”
He urged the media and civil society to help rebuild rather than tear down, insisting the party’s rebirth would be inclusive and open to all who once believed in its founding vision.
“We want to invite everyone, including you journalists, to help us build this institution,” he said. “We can have all the negative vibes we want it won’t build us.”
Looking Ahead
The formation of the provincial steering structures is expected to accelerate preparations for the long-awaited Congress. Internal negotiators and founding members are expected to guide the process, which Mudzuri believes could reset the opposition landscape.
“Our call is simple,” he concluded. “Let us go back to what we were a strong, united MDC capable of offering Zimbabwe an alternative.”
As the party charts this complicated but decisive path, observers say the next few months could determine whether the MDC re-emerges as a formidable national contender or becomes another footnote in Zimbabwe’s fragmented opposition politics.