In Parliament

Friday, 20 November 2009 19:20

Hon. Lovemore Muthe Moyo was born on 29 January 1965 in the district of Matobo in Muthe Village under Chief Bango in Matebeland South Province. He is married with three children and is the Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe and he is National Chairman for the MDC. He made history in 2008 by being nominated the first Speaker outside Zanu PF since the independence of Zimbabwe in 1980. .In 2000, Chairman Moyo as he is popularly known was elected the MP for the then Matobo constituency, re-elected in 2005 and in March 2008, he was elected the MP for Matobo South. However, when Parliament resumed sitting in 2008, he was selected by the party to stand in the election for the Speaker of Parliament and won the speaker ship...He is a founder member of the MDC where he was tirelessly involved in the formation of the party in 1999. Hon. Moyo’s political activism dates back to 1977 when he joined the liberation struggle under ZAPU’s military wing and was based in Zambia. He received his military training at Jaison Ziya –Papa Moyo training camp and Nampandu camp in 1977...In 1999 he became an interim National Executive member of the MDC and was responsible for the Policy and Research portfolio. During his tenure as an MP, Hon Moyo was a Portfolio member in Parliament for Education, Sports and Culture and Public Accounts committees. He was also a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum, which helps in supervising elections within the SADC region...In 2006 he was elected the vice-chairman of the MDC at the 2nd Congress. Following the death of former chairman, Isaac Matongo in May 2007, he was appointed the MDC Chairman. Chairman Moyo is also a member of the MDC National Executive Council...Professionally, the Speaker is a man with several business management certificates. Amongst them are qualifications in Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Studies and Development Leadership and Management from the University of the North in South Africa...

Hon. Tendai Luxton Biti was born on 6 August 1966 and raised in the dusty working class suburb of Dzivarasekwa in Harare and is married. He is the Finance Minister, MP for Harare East and also the secretary-general of the MDC a post that he was elected to at the party’s national congress held in March 2006. .He attended Goromonzi High School and he graduated from the school of law at the University of Zimbabwe. During his studies at the University of Zimbabwe, he was a student leader and led the famous 1987 and 1988 anti-government and anti corruption protests that formed the basis and nucleus of the present day student movement, Zimbabwe national students association ZINASU...Hon. Biti was the MDC secretary for economic affairs, prior to the March 2006 national congress. He was also one of the leading brains behind RESTART, the MDC economic blueprint that silenced even government critics when it was launched. For two weeks, police barred and disrupted the national and provincial launches of the MDC’s RESTART blueprint, seen by the majority of Zimbabweans as the only practical solution to Zimbabwe’s ten year economic malaise...Hon. Biti has also led the MDC’s international relations and land portfolios with distinctions. He led the MDC’s diplomatic offensive, which gave fruition to the regional and international understanding of the Zimbabwe crisis as that of bad governance by the regime. He also led the development of the comprehensive MDC policy on land, which remains his mainstay of the party’s programmes in a New Zimbabwe...During the last ten years in parliament, he has distinguished himself as a polished lawyer and articulator of various pertinent issues from economics to legal and justice matters affecting the nation. He has distinguished himself as one of the leading lawyers in Zimbabwe with special expertise in human rights, labour and constitutional law...From the moment he entered the legal profession, Hon. Biti has impressed his colleagues with the courage and energy with which he expressed publicly his concerns on issues of human rights in Zimbabwe. In addition, he has co-founded some of the leading human rights organisations that have dominated civic society...These include the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and the MDC. Hon. Biti was first elected MP for Harare East in 2000, was re-elected in 2005 and in March 2008. Also during this period, Hon. Biti has suffered persecution from the regime. He has been arrested and tortured by the country’s police and notorious state security agents on numerous occasions...In March 2007 he was arrested and brutally tortured alongside MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai, other political and civic leaders for leading a public meeting in defiance of a government ban of all political gatherings in Zimbabwe. Hon. Biti remains determined to lead from the front until a NewZimbabwe is achieved...In June 2008 he was also arrested on trumped-up treason charges. “The assaults were so terrible and surreal. It was like watching a movie except that no-one was part of the characters. Strangely if it were to happen again many of us would love to be in the front line again. They were hitting us but they were the ones afraid. Our wounds will heal but the scars on their souls are permanent and they will take them to hell...

Senator Roy Bennett was born on 16 February 1957 to Charles Patrick Galway and Catherine Maria Bennett, in Rusape, Zimbabwe.

Senator Bennett’s father was a farmer and in 1958 the family moved from Rusape in the east of Zimbabwe to Karoi in the north. His childhood was one of bare feet and consisted of roaming the farm with his friends hunting with a catapult and fishing in the rivers and dams. He became very fluent in Shona the local African language because most of his friends were sons of black peasant farmers...His did his primary education in Karoi from 1962 to1969 and his secondary studies at Ellis Robins High School in Harare from 1970 to 1973. .He joined the British South Africa Police as a cadet at the end of 1973 and served to July 1978. He left the police to attend Blackfordby Tobacco Training Institute where he attained a First Class Diploma in Tobacco Management, and a Diploma in Cattle Management. He started farming as an assistant to his father in 1980 where he worked on Lucky Crown Farm up to 1983. n 1984, Senator Bennett purchased his own farm, Vhuka Farm and after that proceeded to purchase further four farms. He grew tobacco and ran cattle ranch. In 1993 he sold all the Karoi farms and purchased Chimanimani Estate in the Chimanimani area from the Lonrho Wattle Company where he entered into growing coffee and also continued cattle ranching. enator Bennett was nominated as the Tobacco Grower of the Year for Karoi North area in 1988, and was awarded the National Coffee Grower of the Year award in 1996. .He was Chairman of the Chimanimani Farmers Association and he was the Manicaland representative on the Agricultural Labour Board, and he sat on the Board of the Zimbabwe Coffee Mill as Chairman and later became a trustee of the Chimanimani Country Club. He also formed and chaired the Chimanimani Development Association and was the chairman of Mvurachena Primary School in Chipinge. Senator Bennett played Polo and captained the Mashonaland side for several years and also played in the national team for four years. ..His hobbies are hunting and fishing. Senator Bennett joined the MDC in January 2000 and was elected as the treasurer for Manicaland province..Also in 2000, he was elected into Parliament for the Chimanimani constituency in 2000. He was elected Manicaland chairman in 2006 and later elected as the National Treasurer General, a position he still holds. After pushing the Zanu PF’s MP Patrick Chinamasa in Parliament in 2004, he was sentenced by parliament to 15 months in prison of which he served eight months as a common criminal in Harare Central, Mutoko and Chikurubi Farm Prisons. .He was implicated in treason in 2006 and he fled to South Africa with his family where they sought political asylum...He came back to Zimbabwe in February 2008 but was unfortunately arrested by state security agents a day before he was to be sworn in as the deputy minister of agriculture. Senator Bennett spent a month at Mutare Remand Prison on trumped up charges of insurgency and banditry. He was later released from mutare remand prison after Prime Minister Tsvangirai intervened. He was appointed a senator in March 2009...

Senator Keresencia Chabuka was born on 30 June 1961 in Gutu in Masvingo. She is married and is the Senator for Mutare in Manicaland province. She joined the MDC in 1999 and in 2002 was appointed the chairperson for Ward 15 in Dangamvura. In 2005, Senator Chabuka was elected councillor for Ward 15 and in 2006, she was elected as the MDC chairperson for Manicaland province

Women Assembly, a position she still holds...

Hon. Blessing Mutyandasvika Chebundo was born on 8 October 1958 and is married with five children; four daughters and one son. He is the MP for Kwekwe in the Midlands province and is one of the founder members of the MDC. Hon. Chebundo has been an MP for Kwekwe constituency since 2000. He has sat in the health and child welfare parliamentary committee from 2000 to March 2008.

.In the party he was the MDC secretary for health from 2001 to 2005, Hon. Chebundo is currently a member of the MDC’s health committee and has been a national executive member since 2006. Hon. Chebundo was the founding chairperson of the MDC Midlands North province in 1999...He started his opposition career in the early 1990s and in 1995 he was elected the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) vice-chairman for the central region while between 1990 and 2000, he was the national treasurer of the Zimbabwe Chemical and Allied Workers’ Union...Hon. Chebundo is a holder of four diplomas in occupational health, safety and development from Sweden, occupational hygiene, safety advisors and labour studies, which he obtained in Belgium in 1993...He has a distinguished career in environmental health management and has worked as an environmental health officer, technician and occupational health and safety officer at Sable Chemicals Industries in Kwekwe from 1980 to 2000...

Hon. Eddie Cross is the MP for Bulawayo South and he was born on the 17th of April 1940. He is married to Jeanette and the couple has two children Gary and Susan and five grandchildren. Hon. Cross joined the MDC in 1999 as the secretary for economic affairs up to 2003.

.He is currently the MDC’s policy coordinator general and is a member of the national executive committee. He holds a diploma in agriculture and a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Economics. Hon. Cross has worked as a chief economist for AMA from 1969 to 1979 and as the general manager for Dairy Marketing Board (DMB) from 1979 to 1982...From 1983 to 1987 he was the chief executive of Cold Storage Commission (CSC) and managing director of the Beira Corridor Group (BCG) from 1987 to 1990. Since 1990 to date he has been the chairman of Cross Holding, which has its headquarters in Bulawayo...

Hon. Nelson Chamisa was born on 2 February 1978 in Masvingo and he is the MP for Kuwadzana East in Harare. He is the Minister of Information, Communications and Technology in the inclusive government and he is the youngest minister in cabinet. .Hon. Chamisa is a former student leader when he was overwhelmingly elected as the MP for the then Kuwadzana constituency and is one of the youngest MPs representing the people of Zimbabwe in the House of Assembly. A distinguished orator in his own right, Hon. Chamisa is a former national chairperson of the MDC Youth Assembly...He was elected the national MDC spokesperson at the MDC congress in March 2006. In parliament, he has been a member of various portfolio committees including being a member of the defence and home affairs, public accounts, gender and youth and transport and communications committees...Hon. Chamisa has also been a portfolio member of the local government, public works and urban development committee and the African Caribbean and Pacific Parliament. He is the former secretary-general of the vibrant Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu). A survivor of several brutal attacks at the hands of the Zanu PF regime; Hon. Chamisa is a holder of a Bachelor of Business Administration, a first class Honours degree in Political Science from the University of Zimbabwe and a Masters degree in International Relations (MIR).

..Hon. Tall Severino Chambati , the MP for Hurungwe West in Mashonaland West province, was born on 27 September 1956 and is married. He joined the MDC in 2000 and was elected the district treasurer for Hurungwe. Hon. Chambati has since then held several positions within the MDC is currently the district chairman for Hurungwe. He made history in March 2008 after being elected the first MDC MP in the district.

.Hon. Amos Chibaya was born 19 May 1978 in Chivi, Masvingo province and is the MP for Mkoba in Gweru, in Midlands’s province. He is married to Loveness. Hon. Chibaya was one of the youths who were instrumental in the formation of the MDC in 1999 and was that year elected the secretary for youth in Mkoba. .In 2004 he was elected as the national representative for Youth Assembly for Midlands South province. He became the MP for Mkoba in 2005 and was re-elected MP in March 2008 and is one of the young MPs in the Parliament of Zimbabwe. In parliament he has sat on the public service, labour and social welfare and youth, employment, gender and women affairs portfolio committees...In March 2006, Hon. Chibaya was elected to the post of MDC’s deputy chairman for the national Youth Assembly a position he still holds. Hon. Chibaya attended Muzondo high school in Masvingo province and is a holder of a certificate in labour relations management and currently works for the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) as a regional officer under Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Workers Union for the Midlands Province...

Hon. Willard Manyowa Chimbetete was born on 10 July 1941 in Nyanga in Manicaland province. He is the MP for Nyanga South and is married to Letisian and the couple has eight children – two girls and six boys. Hon Chimbetete attended St Monica primary school up to 1951 before proceeding to Tikwiri Boarding School up to 1954.

.Between 1958 and 1968, Hon. Chimbetete studied through correspondence for his junior certificate and “O” Levels. He later obtained a diploma in supervision, stock control and management. Hon. Chimbetete also did studies in records control and business management. During his career, he has held several senior positions including being stores controller and factory manager...The Nyanga South legislator joined politics in 1961 as a member of Zapu. In 1999, he joined the MDC and was elected councillor for Ward 13 in Nyanga in 2005. Hon. Chimbetete was in 2007, elected the vice-chairman for Mutare Central district a position he still holds. He was elected the MP for Nyanga South in March 2008. In March 2003, Hon. Chimbetete went into private business and among other things he is involved in credit finance...

Hon. Anthony Chimhini was born on 10 June 1950 in Mutasa and is the MP for Mutasa North in Manicaland province. He is married and has a Master of Arts Degree in Development Studies specialising in Labour and Development from the Institute of Social Studies – The Hague, Netherlands. Hon. Chimhini also has a University of Zimbabwe’s certificate in education in addition to a teacher’s certificate from Kutama Teachers’ College.

.He joined the MDC at its formation in 1999 and was the first national administrator of the party. He was also instrumental in the formation of the MDC and has been very active in promoting the party’s vision particularly in Mutasa district. He runs several successful businesses in Harare and Manicaland province...

Hon. Settlement Chikwinya was born on 29 November 1976 in Kwekwe, Midlands province. He is married and is the MP for Mbizo, a high density suburb in Kwekwe Town. He went to Dadaya High School for his high school and later went to B-Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Class 1 fitter machinist, national certificates in machine engineering and marketing and salesmanship.

.He joined the MDC in 1999 and in 2001 to 2003; he was Kwekwe’s Ward 12 vice secretary and from 2003 to 2005, he was district vice secretary before his election as the Kwekwe district chairman in 2005. From 2006 to date, Hon. Chikwinya has been the Midlands South provincial secretary and has also been councillor for Ward 12 in the Kwekwe City Council...He has also been involved in trade union activities and was once the deputy Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Ferro Alloys Workers’ Union. Hon. Chikwinya has also been a victim of Zanu PF’s brutality and has been arrested several times on trumped up charges.

..Hon. Gift Chimanikire was born in Guruve in Mashonaland Central province and is married and the couple has four daughters. He is the MP for Southerton in Harare and is one of the founder members of the MDC. From 2000 to 2005, he was the party’s deputy secretary-general. In 2005, he was elected the legislator for Mbare constituency also inHarare and is a member of the MDC National Executive.

.Hon. Chimanikire is a holder of a diploma in mining engineering from Tuzwa University in the former Yugoslavia, a diploma in AppliedScience from Brighton Tech in the United Kingdom and a diploma inPersonnel Management from the Institute of Personnel Management of Zimbabwe (IPMZ)...

Hon. Webber Chinyadza was born on 18 September 1949 and is the MP for Makoni West in Manicaland province. After completing high school, Hon. Chinyadza studied for B Sc – Mathematics, Economics and Geography, M Sc in Economic Planning. He also has a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

.He then worked as a chief economist in the then Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development for several years. Hon Chinyadza later worked as the chief economist for the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and as a senior executive in PG Industries and Hunyani Holdings. He joined the MDC in 1999 and since then he has held various senior positions within the party including being a member in the Information and Publicity and Industry and International Trade and Economics national committees. Hon Chinyadza is also a successful businessman...

Hon. Oliver Chirume was born on 28 February 1978 in Gutu and is the MP of Gutu Central in Masvingo province. He is married and has a diploma in motor mechanics. Hon. Chirume has held several positions in the MDC including being the Gutu South youth chairperson from 2000 to 2006. In 2006 he became the organising secretary for Masvingo province, a position he still holds.

.Jeffryson David Murisi Chitando was born on 26 January 1966 and is married. He is the MP for Masvingo Central and has qualifications in education.

An avid soccer administrator, Hon. Chitando joined the MDC in 1999 and was appointed the interim provincial youth chairman for Masvingo province until elections were held in 2000...In 2000, he was elected MDC national youth assembly secretary for education and policy. In 2005, Hon Chitando was elected the provincial secretary for research and policy and in 2008 he was voted as the MP for Masvingo Central constituency and the MDC’s provincial director for elections...

Enna Chitsa was born on 14 April 1946 and is the Senator for Masotsha Ndlovu in Bulawayo. She is widowed and after completing her studies in hospitality management, she worked for the Holiday Inn Hotels for 21 years from 1976 to 1997. From 1976 to 2001, she was a member of the Hotel and Catering Workers’ Union and rose through the ranks from being a branch secretary to provincial secretary of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).

.In 1995, Senator Chitsa was elected Third vice – president up to 2001. She joined the MDC at its formation in 1999 and was elected as the Bulawayo provincial chairperson. From 2001 to date, Hon. Chitsa has been the national vice chairperson and was elected the Senator for Masotsha Ndlovu in March 2008...

Hon. Peniel Denga is the MP for Mbare in Harare and was born on 20 October 1968 in Chivhu, Mashonaland East province. e is married and has a CIS Part A and Part B qualification. Hon. Denga joined politics in 1998 when he started representing informal traders in Chivhu. He participated in protecting the traders’ rights and to see that their businesses became viable.

.On 11 September 1999, he was a delegate at the official launch of the MDC. In 2000, he was elected coordinator for Chikomba constituency and in 2001; Hon Denga was elected to the position of youth vice-chairman for Mashonaland East province. He was later to be elected as the provisional organizing secretary for Mashonaland East. In 2002 his farm and house in Chivhu were invaded while two pick-up trucks were burnt forcing him to relocate to Harare. Hon. Denga was elected the MP for Mbare in March 2008...

Hon. Greenbate Dongo is the MP for Goromonzi South in Mashonaland East province. He is married and was born on 1 October 1961 in Buhera, Manicaland province. He is also a successful businessman and has a degree in civil engineering from the University of Zimbabwe. He holds a diploma in sales management and marketing.

.Hon. Dongo joined the MDC in 1999 and in 2000; he was elected deputy organising secretary for Seke district. In 2003, Hon. Dongo was elected Chitungwiza provincial organising secretary, a position he still holds. He has since then held several positions in Chitungwiza province and is currently the provincial organiser...

Hon. Cornelius Raphael Essalph Dube is the MP for Emakhandeni- Entumbane in Bulawayo province. He is married and was born on 19 August 1964 at St. Joseph Mission in Matobo, Matebeleland South. after finishing high school, Hon. Dube studied for a City and Guilds of London Institute certificate in electrical engineering. He later also obtained a diploma in Business Administration Studies with the Zimbabwe Institute of Management (ZIM).

.He joined the MDC in 2000 and was elected the chairperson for Vukani branch in Pelandaba constituency in 2001. In 2002, he was elected the councillor for Ward 11 for Bulawayo City Council and was re-elected in 2003. During his period as a councillor, Hon. Dube served as the council chairperson for engineering services committee. He was elected MP for Emakhandeni-Enthumbane constituency in the March 29 2008 parliamentary election...

Hon. Festus Dumbu is the MP for Zaka West in Masvingo province. He was born on 11 November 1971 at Guvanye village in Zaka under Chief Bota.

He is married and is a member of the Zion Apostolic City Church. Hon. Dumbu did his primary and secondary education at Dunuza and Rudhanda High school. He then proceeded to Belvedere Teachers’ College in Harare where he obtained a diploma in education and he went on to further his qualifications at Masvingo polytechnic where he obtained a further education teachers diploma...Hon. Dumbu then taught at Mfakose Secondary School in Masvingo.During that period, he excelled in teaching students sports in various disciplines..He went on to train in sports administration,soccer coaching,boxing coaching,volley ball coaching and umpiring,netball coaching and umpiring,athletics coaching,soccer refereeing and boxing refereeing and judging. He was then promoted to district sports resource coordinator for Chiredzi and later employed by Triangle limited as sports development administrator. He currently holds various administrative portfolios with a number of national sports associations and is a practicing class 1 soccer and boxing referee and judge...He completed his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Sports in November 2008.He joined the MDC in 1999 and has served as the youth chairman forTriangle branch and is the current provincial secretary for education in Masvingo.

..Professor Heneri Dzinotyiweyi was born March 15 1950 and is married. He is the MP for Budiriro in Harare and is the Minister of Science and Technology Development in the inclusive government. He did his “A” Levels at Fletcher High School in Gweru and in 1971 he enrolled at the then University of Rhodesia where he studied Mathematics, Physics and Geology. He then went on to study for Honours in Mathematics at the same university.

.Unfortunately, due to the 1973 disturbances following student demonstrations against racism at the university and in the country, Hon. Dzinotyiweyi was arrested and imprisoned and had to complete his degree in private study outside Harare in 1974. After his first degree he went to Botswana where he got a teaching post in August 1974. In December of that year he won a scholarship to the University of Aberdeen, in Scotland, where he did his MSc in Mathematics in one year, and then moved on to work for his PhD in the area of functional analysis, at the same university...He completed his PhD in 1977, and was awarded a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship to work at the Catholic University in Nijmegen in the Netherlands. .His first teaching post was at the University of Nairobi, but in mid-1979 he left to join the liberation struggle, which ended in 1980, and then he came back home and lectured at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). In 1983 he rose to the rank of Associate Professor, and in 1987 he became Full Professor. He was chairman of the Mathematics Department from 1983 until 1991, when he was elected Dean of Science. He was elected the MP for Budiriro in March 2008..

.Hon. Gift Lovemore Tapiwa Dzirutwe was born on 2 February 1962 and is the MP for Glen Norah in Harare. He is married and has several qualifications in Business Management. He joined the MDC in 1999 and was elected as ward 27 chairman in Glen Norah and is currently the deputy chairman for Glen Norah district.

.Hon. Dzirutwe runs a private business in Harare...

Hon. Morgan Femai is the Senator for Chikomo in Harare and was born on 9 September 1949. He is a founder member of the MDC and was the interim chairman before the first congress was held. Senator Femai was later elected chairman for Harare province in 2000, a position which he still holds.

.He became the senator for Chikomo, which incorporates Harare’s central business centre in March 2008.

..Hon. Joel Gabuzza was born on 10 September 1967 in Binga and is the MP for Binga South in Matebeleland North province. He is married and has four children. Hon. Gabuza is the Minister of State Enterprises and Parastatals in the inclusive government. Hon. Gabuza holds a Bachelor of Science Geology and Geography from the University of Zimbabwe, a diploma in expert photography and a certificate in house wiring and building designs and drawings.

.Hon. Gabuza is a founder member of the party in 1999 and holds the post of Secretary of Mines, Energy and Tourism. In 2000 he was elected the MP for the then Binga constituency, was re-elected in 2005 and in March 2008 was elected MP for Binga South after Binga had been demarcated into two constituencies. During the 2005 parliamentary term, Hon. Gabuza was the chairman of parliamentary portfolio committee for mines, energy, environment and tourism...Hon. Gabuza is also the treasurer for the Matebeleland North province and has also been a member of the National Executive Council since.2000...

Hon. Stewart Peter Garadhi was born on 12 March 1956 and is married. He is the MP for Chinhoyi in Mashonaland West province. He joined the party as an ordinary card carrying member in 1999 before being elected ward organising secretary in 2002. In 2005 he was elected MDC district chairman for Chinhoyi a position he still holds. He worked for 30 years at the Cold Storage Company (CSC) in Chinhoyi holding several senior positions within the organisation.

Hon. Innocent Tinashe Gonese is the MP for Mutare Central in Manicaland province and was born on 30 June 1962. He is married to Monica and the couple has four children. In the party, Hon. Gonese is the secretary for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. He holds BL and LLB degrees from the University of Zimbabwe. He is a founder member of the MDC when the party was formed in 1999 and that year he was elected the chairman for Ward 11 for Mutare.

.In 2000 he was elected into the National Executive at the MDC Congress and in the same year he was elected the MP for Mutare Central constituency and was re-elected in 2005 and in March 2008. Since 2000 he has been the MDC Chief Whip in Parliament. In 2006 he was appointed the Secretary for Legal Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs for the party. ..Hon. Gonese is a practicing lawyer, a member of the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) and senior partner at the Mutare-based Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners. From 1995 to 2003, Hon. Gonese was the part-time director of the Mutare Legal Projects Centre a division of the Legal Resources Foundation.

..Senator Obert Chaurura Gutu was born on October 20, 1962 at Gutu Mission Hospital in Masvingo province. He is married with four children and is the Senator for Chisipite in Harare. He was educated at Fletcher High School in Gweru and at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) where he obtained BL (Hons) and LLB degrees.

.He has just completed a Master of Philosophy degree at the UZ and the title of his thesis is: “The Rule of Law in Post-Independent Zimbabwe between the period 1980 to 2000: The Implications of the Observance and Non-Observance of the Rule of Law in the development of Constitutional Law”..Senator Gutu joined the MDC in 2000 and at one time he was the organising secretary for Harare North district. He was elected Senator for Chisipite Senatorial constituency during the March 29, 2008 harmonised elections. He is the MDC Senate Chief Whip...Senator Gutu is also a member of the MDC National Legal and Parliamentary and Information and Publicity committees. He has been in private legal practice in Harare since 1987 and is the founding and senior partner of Gutu and Chikowero Attorneys-at-Law. He has a passion for reading and research and is a columnist for a number of both print and online publications. Senator Gutu is one of the lawyers in Africa who has been engaged by the World Bank’s Doing Business project. He has prepared and submitted reports to the Monitoring and Analysis Unit Investment Climate Department of the World Bank...Senator Gutu counts Shukokai karate, chess and golf amongst his hobbies. He is a member of Warren Hills Golf Club and a keen football fan.

..Hon. Collen Cephas Gwiyo was born on 13 October 1965 and is the MP for Zengeza West in Chitungwiza. He is married and is a holder of diplomas in trade union management, political science and a post graduate diploma in law. A distinguished trade unionist, Hon. Gwiyo is also a member of the Forum for Young Global Leaders.

.Hon. Gwiyo joined the MDC at its formation in 1999 and was a councillor for Ward 11 in Chitungwiza Town Council from 2003 and 2008. In the MDC, Hon. Gwiyo is the secretary for Local Government for Chitungwiza province...

Hon. Simon Ruwuke Hove was born on 18 September 1969 at Harare Central Hospital. He is married and is the MP for Highfield West in Harare.

After completing his “A” Levels at Cranborne Boys High in Harare, Hon Hove trained as a toolmaker. Following his completion he worked as a boilermaker for several companies. His entry into politics was heavily influenced by his parents who participated in the liberation struggle for Zimbabwe...Hon. Hove later became active in trade unionism and offered general workers advise on political activism and labour rights. He joined the MDC in 1999 and soon after the successful launch of the party; he took to studying for an Accountancy degree at the University of Zimbabwe as he sensed that the party would need more educated members...Since then, he has held several positions in the Highfield district structure. ..

Hon. Hove is also a Christian and a pastor at His Image Bible Church. Professionally, he is Finance and Administration Manager with a beverages manufacturing company.

Hon. Eliah Jembere is the MP for Epworth in Harare. He is married and was born on 25 October 1978. He holds qualifications in public relations and marketing. Hon. Jembere joined the MDC in 2000 as a youth activist and has held the position of youth district secretary since 2002.

.He has been arrested several times on trumped up charges by the Zanu PF regime after he beat the party’s candidate, former minister Amos Midzi in the March 29 parliamentary elections. Hon. Jembere also runs a business in Harare.

..Hon. Moses Jiri is the MP for Chikomba Central in Mashonaland East province and was born on 15 March 1951. He is married and holds diplomas in sales management and public relations. He runs several businesses in Chivhu town.

.Hon. Jiri started his political activism in 1990 and joined the MDC in 1999. He is also among a group of the current MPs from the MDC who shocked Zanu PF by winning the Chikomba Central seat, which was considered to be a Zanu PF stronghold...

Misheck Tofamangwana Kagurabadza was born on 10 June 1945 and is married. He is the MP for Mutasa South in Manicaland province and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computers and a Master of Public Administration (MPA). He has been a member of the MDC since its formation in 1999 and was elected as the first MDC Mayor for the City of Mutare in 2002.

.He became very popular with the residents of the city for turning around the development of the city. Hon. Kagurabadza is also the MDC’s chairman for Mutare Urban...

Hon. Lynette Karenyi was born on 21 May 1975 and is the MP for Chimanimani West in Manicaland province. he is married and soon after completing her high school she studied for a secretarial course. She has also done courses in good governance and information, communication and technology (ICT). Hon. Karenyi joined the MDC in 1999 and in 2000 was appointed district secretary for the Women’s Assembly, Mutare North.

.In 2003, she was elected as councillor for Ward 16 for the Mutare City Council and in 2005, was the provincial secretary for Manicaland and a member of the national local government committee. In 2007, she was elected as the national organising secretary for the MDC’s Women Assembly, a position she still holds.

..Hon. James Ian Kay was born on 3 August 1949 and is the MP for Marondera Central in Mashonaland East. He is married to Kerry Kay and the couple has several children. Hon. Kay holds a diploma in agriculture from Gwebi College and a Bizlink course certificate.

.Hon. Kay has held several senior positions in Mashonaland East province having joined the MDC in 2000 and is currently the treasurer for the province. He has also contested on an MDC ticket in the parliamentary elections since 2000 and was finally elected as the MP for Marondera Central in the March 2008 parliamentary elections.

..Hon. Samuel Sandla Khumalo was born on 23 June 1963 and is the MP for Ntabazinduna in Bulawayo province. He is married and joined the MDC in 1999 when the party was launched. Hon. Khumalo is also a member of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and has been arrested several times for his fight against human rights abuse.

.He has been a councillor in the Bulawayo City Council for two terms. He has rose through the ranks in the party from being a ward chairperson to the current position of being vice secretary of Bulawayo province...

Hon. Thabita Khumalo was born on 23 June 1960 in Bulawayo and is the MP for Bulawayo East. he joined politics in the 1970s and was a once a chairperson of the PF Zapu youth in Bulawayo.

.Hon. Khumalo later joined the MDC in 1999 as an ordinary card carrying member and rose through the ranks to become the national deputy secretary of information and publicity and a member of the information and publicity committee. he is also a renowned human rights defender and was once the national deputy chairperson of civic society organisation, Crisis Coalition of Zimbabwe...

Hon. Thokozani Khupe was born on 1 January 1963 and has three children who include twins Reginald and Ronald and daughter Shamiso. Besides being the MP for Makokoba, she is also the MDC’s vice-president. he is a resident of the second capital city, Bulawayo. Hon. Khupe was born in Bulawayo province and grew up in the high density suburbs of Mpopoma and Magwegwe North.

.She was born in a family of six children - three boys and three girls and attended her primary school at Mpumelelo before doing her secondary education at St Bernard’s Secondary in Bulawayo from 1979 to 1982. A founder member of the MDC in 1999, Hon. Khupe’s political career started when she joined the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) where she also gained a strong labour background...She is a former general council member of the ZCTU and sat on the board of The Worker, a weekly labour newspaper of the ZCTU. In 1992 she was elected ZCTU secretary for Women Advisory Council, a post she held until 2000 when she quit trade unionism to concentrate on her political duties. Also in 2000 she was elected as the MP for Makokoba...At the MDC’s inaugural congress held in Chitungwiza in January 2000, she was elected into the National Executive as the secretary for Transport, Logistics and Welfare. She was re-elected Makokoba MP in 2005 and again in March 2008 to continue the projects she had initiated in the constituency...In 2000, she became MDC deputy Chief Whip and deputy chairperson for the Women Parliamentary Caucus. The MDC vice president is also a member of Intra-Parliamentary Union (IPU). She has been a member of the parliamentary portfolio committees of budget and finance, gender, youth and development and defence and home affairs...She was elected vice president at the MDC second congress in 2006. Hon. Khupe is a holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies obtained with the Zimbabwe Open University. She is also currently reading for a Masters of Business Administration with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). Her message to Zimbabweans is: “Together we must complete the change for a better Zimbabwe for the power is in our hands’’.

Hon. Marvelous Kumalo was born on 29 March 1976,he is married and is a devoted Christian. He is the MP for St Mary’s in Chitungwiza province.

After completing his high school, Hon. Kumalo studied for a diploma in education from the University of Zimbabwe and a certificate in.Professional Studies (Guidance and Counseling). He later obtained a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology...He is currently studying for an Institute of Personnel Management in Zimbabwe (IPMZ). Hon. Kumalo has taught at several high schools in Chitungwiza..Besides being a legislator, Hon. Kumalo is also an active human rights defender and is involved in various civic society activities

...Hon. Fungayi Jessie Majome is the MP for Harare West. She was born in Harare on 20 December 1971 and is a mother of two boys. She is the Deputy Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs in the inclusive government.

.She is a lawyer by profession who runs a law practice and has qualifications in Master of Laws [LLM] from UNISA specialising in human rights, constitutional, development, and administrative law; Masters' In Women Law [MSWL], post graduate diploma in Women’s Law, Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a LLBS from the University of Zimbabwe. Her political experience includes being the youngest female commissioner in the National Constitutional Commission in 2000...In 2002 to 2005 she was the national spokesperson of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA). Hon. Majome has also been a councillor for Ward 1 in Hwange Town in Matebeleland North and was the chairperson of the Hwange Local Board in 2003.She is a member of the MDC National Executive Committee (NEC) and is the deputy secretary for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. In 2006 to 2007 she was a consultant to UNIFEM in Sudan on gender justice in post-conflict reconstruction...She has experience in human rights law after having worked for various organisations such as ZimRights, Legal Resources Foundation and the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association. Hon. Majome’s vision is to have a Harare West constituency and Zimbabwe in which all are free to enjoy their right to the highest quality of life possible in terms of daily necessities and social amenities

...Hon. Elias Mudzuri is the MP for Warren Park in Harare. Hon. Mudzuri was born in Zaka, Masvingo on 4 April 1957, and is married to Jabu Mudzuri and the couple has three children. He is the Minister of Energy and Power Development in the inclusive government and is also the MDC national organising secretary.

.In March 2002, Hon Mudzuri who is also a trained engineer was elected on a MDC ticket as the first Executive Mayor of Harare. The Mudzuri - led democratically elected council immediately put into motion a people driven set of transparent development programmes to remedy 22 years of Zanu PF induced maladministration and corruption. The visibility of his turnaround initiatives infuriated Zanu PF, leading to Mudzuri’s dismissal and the subsequent resignation of the entire MDC councillors. In the short period he led Harare, Hon. Mudzuri formulated and managed a capital revenue budget of over US $400 million, covering administration, revenue collection, roads, water and waste water, garbage collection and disposal, education and social amenities...Mudzuri has worked in business advocacy, public life and public administration for the past 20 years. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s John F Kennedy School of Government. Hon. Mudzuri attained a Masters in Public Administration. He was a 2006 Mason Fellow in Public Policy and Managementand the Carr Centre for Human Rights and Intra- State Conflict at Harvard University. Hon. Mudzuri also graduated at the Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone where he attained a Bachelor of Engineering Civil (Hons) degree in 1987. Soon after joined the City of Harare as a junior engineer in the water and sewerage department and rose through the ranks to become deputy chief engineer from 1994 to 2002. .He is a fellow of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. Hon. Mudzuri also has extensive experience in consultancy work and has lectured part time on waste water management at the University of Zimbabwe...Hon. Mudzuri is a founder member of the MDC and was elected vice- chairman at ward level in Budiriro, Harare. He rose through the ranks to the position of vice- organising secretary for Harare Province. In March 2006, Hon. Mudzuri was elected the national organising secretary at the MDC’s second congress in Harare..

Tamsanqa Mahlangu was born in 1974 in Matobo, Matebeleland South province. He is the MP for Nkulumane in Bulawayo and is the Deputy Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment. He is a founder member of the MDC and in 1999 was Hon. Mahlangu was elected as the Bulawayo province vice-chairperson. In 2000 he was elected into the National Youth Assembly Executive responsible for Labour and Social Welfare.

.The following year, Hon. Mahlangu was elected the National Youth Assembly vice-chairman and in 2006 he became the National Youth Assembly Chairperson..Hon. Mahlangu is a member of the MDC standing committee. He is a trade unionist cum politician having worked as a trade unionist for the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) in various capacities. He holds a diploma in store management, advanced diploma in purchasing and supply and he also holds a journeyman certificate in carpentry...

Hon. Willias Madzimure is the MP for Kambuzuma in Harare. He was born on 17 September 1962 in Zaka, Masvingo province and is married. He has been the MP for Kambuzuma since June 2000 and holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Hon. Madzimure joined the MDC at its formation in 1999 and is the

MDC’s Harare province secretary for information and publicity...During the 6th Parliament of Zimbabwe session, Hon. Madzimure was the party spokesperson on Foreign Affairs issues. He also runs a successful business in Harare...

Hon. Theresa Makone is the MP for Harare North and was born on 6 October 1952. She is married to Ian Makone, the MDC secretary for Elections and they have two daughters, Taneta and Nyarai. Hon. Makone is the Minister of Public Works in the inclusive government. Hon. Makone joined political activism in 1973 which culminated in her expulsion at the then University of Rhodesia.

.She then went into exile in the United Kingdom up to 1978 where she obtained B. Sc Degree in Food Science and Biochemistry from the Nottingham University in 1976. She joined the MDC in January 2000 and rose through the ranks from being a ward member to a district member in Hwedza until she was elected the Mashonaland East chairperson in 2005. She represented the party in the parliamentary election of 2005 in Hwedza constituency...Hon. Makone is now the MDC national Women’s Assembly Chairperson. She runs several businesses in Harare and is involved in assisting the less privileged members of society...

Hon. Eric Taurai Matinenga, was born in 1952 and is the MP for Buhera West in Manicaland province. He is married to Miriam and the couple has three children, Tafadzwa, Farai and Takudzwa. He is the Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs in the inclusive government. Hon. Matinenga is one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent lawyers; Matinenga is a respected advocate of the High Court of Zimbabwe and is a former president of the Administrative Court of Zimbabwe.

.Hon. Matinenga went to St Faith’s Secondary School in Rusape for his “O” Levels and to St Augustine’s, Penhalonga, for his “A” Levels. After his high school he studied law at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). He was initially accepted for an economics degree but switched to the Faculty of Law. The change of heart came after Hon. Matinenga had seen how his father was battling with unfair tax laws under the Ian Smith’s regime. As a lawyer he has worked with various organisations including the Msasa Project. Msasa Project aims at protecting women’s rights and helping victims of domestic violence. ..Hon. Matinenga has also worked as a magistrate before he was appointed president of the Administrative Court. He also lectured in the Faculty of Law at the UZ and has served on a number of boards. As an advocate he has defended various MDC officials and members. He successfully defended Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai, now Prime Minister, during his high-profile treason trial in 2005. The charge was dismissed...Hon. Matinenga was elected MP Buhera West in March 2008, defeating the Zanu-PF’s candidate Tapiwa Zengeya. Thereafter, Hon. Matinenga endured a torrid time at the hands of the police. On June 1, 2008 he was arrested and detained on charges of public violence. He was arrested soon after he obtained a court order against the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) for the harassment, torture, and political persecution of MDC supporters in violation of the military’s constitutional mandate and functions...After Hon. Matinenga handed the court order over to the military in Buhera, he proceeded to visit his constituents who were in jail there. In a swift turn of events the police arrested the lawyer and newly elected MP instead and placed him in custody. They accused him of election-related violence. He was released on June 5, but just two days later on June 7, Hon. Matinenga was arrested again. Defying a court order to produce Hon. Matinenga, the state moved him to Rusape police station. He was kept in jail through delayed court dates and denial of bail...His wife, Miriam Matinenga was detained by Zanu-PF supporters in Rusape on one occasion as she brought food to him in prison. Hon. Matinenga’s detention triggered off an uproar within the international legal community. The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians called for his immediate release. The High Court ordered his release but a magistrate in Rusape defied the order. He was released after three weeks in remand prison...In February 2008 Hon. Matinenga was appointed the Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs in the inclusive government. He is charged with the challenging task of steering formulation of the long-awaited new constitution, a key condition of the power-sharing agreement signed on September 11 2008. The constitution is expected to lead to fresh elections. Matinenga is also an avid squash player.

..Hon. Pishai Muchauraya is the MP for Makoni South in Manicaland province and was born on 3 April 1974. He is married and has qualifications in journalism, advertising, public relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. Hon. Muchauraya joined the MDC in 1999 and has since then held several party positions including being the current MDC Manicaland province information and publicity secretary and he has been very active in highlighting MDC activities in the province to the outside world.

.He was elected Makoni South MP in March 2008.

..Hon. Ernest Mudavanhu is the MP for Zaka North in Masvingo province and was born 9 June 1969. He is widowed and has two diplomas in environmental health and Tourism. He was the district secretary for Bikita also in Masvingo province from 2000 to 2002 and organizing secretary for Bikita East from 2002 to 2005. Currently he is the deputy organising secretary for Masvingo province.

.Hon. Prosper Chapfiwa Mutseyami is the MP for Musikavanhu in Manicaland province. He is married and is a journeyman class 1 and a fitter and turner.

He joined the MDC in 1999 but has been a political activist since 1997. Hon. Mutseyami is the MDC Manicaland provincial organising secretary. He became an MP in March 2008...

Hon. Rorana Dandajena Muchihwa is the Senator for Hwata in Harare and was born on 4 April 1959 in Guruve in Mashonaland Central province. She joined the armed liberation struggle to free Zimbabwe from colonialism in 1975 as a war collaborator also in Guruve. Senator Muchihwa then joined the MDC in 1999 and was elected treasurer for Harare province. She is the chairperson of the MDC Women’s Assembly Harare province.

.She was elected the senator for Hwata in the March 2008 harmonised elections.

..Hon. Cephas Makuyana is the senator for Mvurachena in Harare and was born on 4 April 1954. He is married. He joined politics as a youth activist in the early 1970s and assisted young freedom fighters with food, clothing and shelter. After independence in 1980, he joined the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade

Unions (ZCTU) and held several senior positions within the labour organisation...Hon. Makuyana joined the MDC in 1999 and was instrumental in setting up the party’s structures across the country. He is also a member of the National Executive for Harare province.

..Seiso Moyo is the MP for Nketa constituency in Bulawayo. He is married with five children. Hon. Moyo holds diplomas in social work, non-governmental organization management and business leadership. He also has qualifications in personnel management and conflict resolution. In addition he has held several senior executive positions in various organisations.

.Hon. Moyo joined the MDC in 1999 and since then he has held several positions within the party including being provincial representative for Matebeleland South..Since 1999, Hon. Moyo has been the MDC secretary for Lands and Agriculture. He is also a board member of several non-governmental organisations including the Africa Rehabilitation Institute and the Council for the Blind...

Hon. Reggie Moyo was born on 12 June 1971 in Insiza, Filabusi in Matebeleland South. He is married and is the MP for Luveve in Bulawayo province.

After completing his high school; Hon. Moyo obtained a certificate, diploma, and a higher national diploma in electrical engineering. He also obtained a diploma in adult education and is currently studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations with Unisa...Hon. Moyo joined the MDC at its inception in 1999 and was elected to the position of district organiser. Currently he is the secretary for the Bulawayo province...

Hon. Professor Eliphas Mukonoweshuro is the MP for Gutu South in Masvingo and is married and has a son. He joined the MDC in 1999 and is a special advisor to President Morgan Tsvangirai on political and diplomatic affairs. Hon. Mukonoweshuro is also the Minister of Public Service in the inclusive government.

.Hon. Mukonoweshuro is also the MDC secretary for international affairs and a member of the National Executive. He was elected MP for Gutu South constituency during the March 29 elections. Hon. Mukunoweshuro is a holder of BA, MA and PhD from Birmingham in the United Kingdom and is currently a professor of political science at the University Zimbabwe...

Takalani Prince Matibe is the MP for Chegutu West in Mashonaland West province, and he was born 25 November 1968 and is married. He is a qualified motor mechanic and has worked for several leading companies in the country before venturing into technical sales. Hon. joined the MDC in 1999 and has been involved in MDC’s party activities since then. In 2007 he was elected the MDC’s Chegutu district treasurer before being elected MP in the March 2008 parliamentary election.

Shuah Mudiwa was born on 22 October 1958 and is the MP for Mutare West in Manicaland province. He is married and has Masters in Business Studies (Information Technology). He has previously worked for the then Post and Telecommunications Corporation and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe as a director of information and technology for the 25 years.

.Hon. Mudiwa became an MDC member in 2001 and since then he has held several positions within the party and is the district chairman for the MDC Mutare West since 2007. He is an information technology expert and runs a business within that sector...

Tichaona Mudzingwa was born on 23 December 1942 in Buhera, Manicaland province in a family of six sisters and a brother. His parents were peasant farmers.

He is widowed, has one son and is the MDC’s secretary for Defence and Home Affairs. In March 2009 he was nominated to be Senator was also appointed as the Deputy Minister for Transport and Infrastructural Development in the inclusive government...Dr Mudzingwa joined the National Democratic Party youth wing in January 1960, whilst at school at Fletcher High in Gweru. He is a former member of Zanu PF and ZAPU and underwent military training as a guerrilla fighter in Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia. Senator Mudzingwa is a war veteran and was a member of the Military High Command during the liberation war from 1975 to 1980. He is the first medical doctor to receive full military training and to be deployed to the military front in Zambia and Mozambique in 1975 to 1980. He is a Retired Army Colonel from the Zimbabwe National Army from 1980 to 1994. He was commander of the Zimbabwe Medical Corps and was awarded several medals for his service in the army...Dr Mudzingwa is a founder member of the MDC. From 2000 to 2007 he was the secretary for Health and Security. In 2005, he was the MDC candidate for Buhera North constituency in the parliamentary elections. Dr Mudzingwa is also a practising Medical Doctor and a Specialist War Surgeon.

..Hon. Edmore Toruvandepi Marima was born on 21 June 1973 and is the MP for Bikita East in Masvingo province. He is married and has a B.Acc from the University of Zimbabwe and has done Articles with the renowned accounting firm Deloitte and Touche in Harare. In 1993 he was elected as the first junior Mayor of the City of Gweru.

.He was the interim MDC district chairman for Bikita in 1999 and in 2000 to 2006; Hon. Marima was the MDC provincial chairman for Masvingo province. Since 2006 he has been a member of the MDC National Executive Committee (NEC) and is also the party’s national deputy secretary for tourism...

Hon. James Bedu Makore was born on 3 September 1955 and is married. He is the Senator for Chitungwiza. Senator Makore joined politics in the early 1970s. He was a very active youth representative during that period and helped in mobilising and recruiting freedom fighters. In 1999, Senator Makore was instrumental in the formation of the MDC and has since that time held several senior positions including being the personal assistant and advisor to President Morgan Tsvangirai.

.He was also the first MDC director in organising and party building from 2001 to 2004...

Evelyn Muzungu Masaiti is the MP for Dzivarasekwa in Harare and was born on 3 March 1965. She is widowed and obtained a diploma in education as a secondary school science teacher from Gweru Teachers’ College in 1989. The legislator is also a Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development in the inclusive government. She is also studying for a Bachelor of Science and Agricultural Management with the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU).

.She joined the MDC in September 1999. In 2000, Hon. Masaiti became one of the first women MP candidates to challenge Zanu PF when she contested in the parliamentary election and won the Mutasa constituency in Manicaland province. During her stint in parliament between 2000 and 2005, she was a member of the youth and gender parliamentary portfolio committee. She has also held several senior positions within the MDC including being the current party’s Women’s Assembly national secretary since 2006...

Hon. Ransome Makamure is the MP for Gutu East in Masvingo province and was born on 20 April 1952. He is married and holds qualifications in marketing and has held several senior marketing positions with a number of companies in Harare. He later resigned and decided to go into business, operating in Gutu and Masvingo Town. Hon. Makamure joined the MDC at its formation in 1999 and soon after he was elected Gutu South district organising secretary.

.In 2002, he was elected Gutu South district chairman until 2007 when he was chosen as the district’s director of elections.

..Hon. Empire Kufachikati Makamure was born on 5 March 1939 in Gutu, Masvingo and is the Senator for that district. He is married to Fungisayi and the couple has three sons and three daughters. Hon. Makamure completed in “O” Levels in 1960 at Zimuto High and obtained a Primary Teacher’s Certificate from Mutare Teacher’s College in 1962 and Certificate in Education from Mkoba Teachers’ College in Gweru.

.He worked as a teacher and district education officer from 1963 to 1999. He joined active politics in 1961 when he joined Zapu. Hon. Makamure then joined the MDC in 1999 and has held several positions including being the chairperson in Ward 36 in Gutu and committee member for MDC Masvingo province...

Hon. Shepherd Lenard Mushonga was born on 26 July 1963 and is married. He is the MP for Mazowe Central in Mashonaland Central province. He has a BL (Hons) and LLB from the University of Zimbabwe. He is a practicing lawyer and a member of the Zimbabwe Law Society. Hon. Mushonga became a member of the MDC in 2000 and was appointed the party’s provincial secretary. Currently he is the MDC provincial vice chairman for Mashonaland Central.

.He made history in March 2008 by breaking Zanu PF’s stronghold in Mashonaland Central province and won the Mazowe Central legislative seat. Hon. Mushonga has also assisted the party in various capacities as a legal advisor...

Giles Tafirenyika Mutsekwa was born on 4 September 1948 and is married with four children. He is the MP for Chikanga – Dangamvura in Mutare, Manicaland province. Hon. Mutsekwa is a co-Minister of Home Affairs in the inclusive government. He holds several tertiary qualifications and is currently reading for a degree in Leadership and Management with Africa University in Mutare.

.He joined the MDC at its inception in 1999 and in 2000 he was elected as an MP. Hon. Mutsekwa was re-elected as MP in 2005 and in March.2008. He is a member of the MDC’s national executive and secretary for national security and intelligence. In parliament, Hon. Mutsekwa is the spokesperson for security and defence.

..Hon. Fidelis Mhashu is married, is blessed with four children and he is currently the MDC’s secretary for education. He is the MP for Chitungwiza North and is a founder member of the MDC when the party was form in September 1999. Hon. Mhashu is also a Minister of Housing and Social Amenities in the inclusive government. Hon. Mhashu was elected MP for Chitungwiza in 2000, 2005 and was re-elected in March 2008.

.He is also a member of the National Executive Committee. Hon. Mhashu is a renowned teacher and a holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Education and English from the University of Zimbabwe. He also holds a diploma in political science and had a long service in the education sector and his contribution in this sector in the country cannot be underestimated.

..Hon. Misheck Marava is the senator for Zaka in Masvingo province and was born on 4 September 1956. He is married and has a Chartered Institute of Secretaries (CSI) and LCCI qualifications. He joined the MDC in 1999 and in 2000 he was appointed treasurer for Zaka district and in 2005 he was the organising secretary. At the moment, Hon. Marava is the organising secretary for Masvingo province. He was elected the senator for Zaka in March 2008.

.Hon. Paul Madzore was born on 29 June 1969 and is the MP for Glen View South in Harare. He is married to Melody and the couple has four children. Hon. Madzore is a founder member of the party when it was formed in 1999 and in 2000 he was elected MP of Glen View. He has held several senior posts in the MDC’s Youth Assembly. From 2001to 2002, he was the chairman for the Glen View district and in 2002 to2003, Hon. Madzore was Harare Province youth vice chairman.

.A dedicated human rights defender, Hon. Madzore has suffered several times at the hands of the Zanu PF regime due to his open attacks against oppression. In parliament, Hon. Madzore has been a member of several portfolio committees including those of health and child welfare; and gender and youth development. He is also popularly known for singing gospel songs as well as songs against social and political injustice in the country...Madzore underwent apprenticeship in auto and household glass making and fitting...

Senator Henry Madzorera was born on 10 March 1960 and is the Senator for Kwekwe in Midlands province. He is married with three children, two boys and one girl and is the Minister of Health and Child Welfare. Senator Madzorera is a practicing medical doctor and holds a MBCHB in Medicine, a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and a Diploma in Occupational Health.

.He is also a member of the College of Primary Care Physicians of Zimbabwe (MPCZ). Senator Madzorera joined the MDC in 2000 and contested as a mayoral candidate for Kwekwe city in 2002. In the MDC he has held several portfolios including being the district treasurer for Kwekwe from 2003 to 2006. In 2006, Senator Madzorera was elected MDC’s national secretary for health, a post he still holds. He was elected the senator for Kwekwe in March 2008.

..Hon. Fani Munengami is the MP for Glen View North in Harare and was born on 24 January 1972. He is married and after completing his “A” levels; he studied for diplomas in marketing, public relations and advertising. Hon. Munengami was among the first youths that were instrumental in the formation of the MDC in 1999 and in 2000 he was elected as organiser for the Glen View district.

.In 2002 he was elected a councillor for the Harare City Council and in 2006 he was chairman for Glen View district a position he still holds. He was elected MP for Glen View North in the March 29 parliamentary elections.

..Hon. Elton Steers Mangoma is the MP for Makoni Central in Manicaland province. He is married and the couple has three sons. He is also a member of the MDC’s Standing Committee and is the party’s deputy Treasurer-General and is a chartered accountant. Hon. Mangoma is the Minister of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion in the inclusive government.

.After completing his “A” Levels at Goromonzi High School, Hon. Mangoma studied for Bachelor of Accountancy – Honours and a Master of Business Leadership (MBL). He has worked for several blue chip companies in the country holding senior executive positions. Hon. Mangoma is a past president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (1990), chairman of the Eastern Central and Southern African Federation of Accountant (1993 – 1995) and a member of council of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) from 1994 to 1996...In 2005, Hon. Mangoma stood as a parliamentary candidate for Makoni North and challenged the results and although he challenged the results, Justice Rita Makarau agreed that the wishes of the people of Makoni North had been denied, she could not declare the seat vacant...

Hon. Cleopas Machacha is the MP for Kariba in Mashonaland West province. He was born on 19 October 1966. After completing his “A” levels, Hon. Machacha worked for different companies including Zim Sun Hotels for 15 years before resigning and establishing his own businesses in Kariba. He joined the MDC at its formation on 11 September 1999 and has since then held several senior Mashonaland West provincial party positions and was councillor in the Municipality of Kariba for five years.

.Hon. Machacha’s vision is to see the MDC rebuilding and making the country of Zimbabwe prosperous again...

Hon. John Masaba was born on 11 March 1967 and is the Senator for Kariba in Mashonaland West province. He joined the MDC in 1999. Since 2000, Senator Masaba has been strongly involved in running the affairs of the party in Mashonaland West province and particularly in the remote, Mola, Bumi Hills and Siakobvu area in Kariba where he hails from.

.Senator Masamba’s efforts have brought in good results, which saw the MDC winning both the senatorial and parliamentary seats in Kariba for the first time in the March 29 2008 harmonised elections...

Hon. Lucia Gladys Matibenga was born on 2 January 1954 in Bulawayo. She is widowed and has four children; two boys and two girls. She is the MP for Kuwadzana West in Harare. Hon. Matibenga is a founder member of the MDC and from 1999 to 2000; she was the provincial secretary for Midlands South province.

.In 2001 up to 2007, Hon Matibenga was the MDC’s Women’s Assembly chairperson. The legislator also has a strong background in trade unionism and has held several senior positions within the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) before joining the MDC...

Hon. Tapiwa Mashakada is the MP for Hatfield in Harare and was born on 2 January 1968. He is married with two children and is the deputy secretary general of the MDC. Hon. Mashakada is a founder member of the MDC and has been elected MP for Hatfield three times since 2000. He is the MDC spokesperson on finance and economic affairs and has been a member of the parliamentary portfolio committee on budget and finance.

.From 1991 to 1998, Hon. Mashakada was a Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) unionist and helped mobilise thousands of workers against the International Monetary Fund and World Bank – backed infamous Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP)...He had done a lot advocacy work on behalf of the ZCTU on labour and economic rights and was a resource person at the National Working People’s Convention held in Hillside Harare, which led to the formation of the MDC. The MDC deputy secretary-general was also involved in consultative processes many years prior to the formation of the MDC...He was co-opted into the Harare provincial executive at the inaugural MDC congress in Chitungwiza in February 2000. In June 2000, he was elected the MP for Hatfield and also in 2000; he was elected vice chairman for Harare Province. In 2005, he was re-elected the MP for Hatfield. In March 2006, he was elected deputy secretary general at the MDC congress held at the City Sports Stadium in Harare...He is a member of the MDC national Standing Committee. Hon Mashakada is a holder of a Masters Degree in Economics obtained at the University of Zimbabwe, a diploma in personnel management – 1997 and a certificate in economic policy strategies obtained from Williams College, Massachusetts (USA)...He is currently studying for a PhD with the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. From 1991 to 1996, Mashakada was chief economist with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions. In 1997, he was a designated Agent for the National Employment Council for the Furniture Manufacturing Industry...In 1998, he became the general secretary and chief executive of the National Employment Council for the Engineering and Iron and Steel Industry and Engineering Medical Aid Society respectively. That year he also became a lecturer on labour economics at the UZ. He is also a board member of the Association of Health Care Funders of Zimbabwe (AhfoZ). Together with Hon. Tendai Biti, Hon. Mashakada was one of the brains behind RESTART, the MDC’s economic recovery blueprint.

..Hon. Margaret Matienga was born on 16 June 1956 and is the MP for Sunningdale in Harare. She is a widow and has been a trade unionist for over 25 years. After completing her “A” levels at Harare High in Mbare, Harare, Hon. Matienga worked for several companies and was later highly involved in the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) activities. She joined politics in 1975 when she became a war collaborator in the armed struggle for Zimbabwe’s independence. She is a national deputy secretary of the MDC’s Women’s Assembly.

.She was appointed the MP for Sunningdale in March 2008...Hon.

Paurina Mpariwa is the MP for Mufakose and was born on 28 August 1962. She is a single mother blessed with one child and holds a diploma in industrial relations and is studying for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Hon. Mpariwa is also the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare in the inclusive government.

.She has worked for Delta Corporation in Harare, and she is the former chairperson for Women’s Advisory Council for Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and national executive member of the Zimbabwe Commercial Workers Union (ZCWU). Hon. Mpariwa is a founder member of the MDC when it was formed in 1999 and held several senior portfolios since then. Currently she is the secretary for transport and logistics in the party, MDC’s deputy Chief Whip in Parliament, a member of Pan African Parliament and the spokesperson for labour issues in parliament...She has been an MP for Mufakose constituency since 2000 and is one of the leading MDC women lawmakers.

..Hon. Shepherd Madamombe was born on 3 June 1963 in Seke communal area. He is married and is the MP for Mabvuku Tafara in Harare. He started his political career in Seke in 1977 as the organiser of the youth wing of the then banned Zanu. As the liberation intensified, Hon Madamombe was involved in sourcing information about the movement of the enemy and also mobilised and recruited cadres.

.After independence in 1980, he migrated to Harare and completed his high school. He then obtained a diploma in transport supervision and a qualification in motor mechanics. He then joined the transport and general workers’ union and was involved in mobilising workers against corruption and human rights abuses...He was elected as the MP for Mabvuku in March 2008...

Hon. Edmore Hamandishe Maramwidze was born in Gutu on 27 May 1957, is married and is the MP for Gutu North in Masvingo province. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology and is a pastor with the ZAOGA church. He is also a trained motor mechanic and did his apprentice with the C.M.E.D. He joined the liberation struggle in 1979 at Chisamba transit camp for Zanla Forces in Zambia.

.Hon. Maramwidze joined the MDC in 2000 and in March 2008, he was elected the MP for Gutu North...

Hon. Tongai Matutu is the MP for Masvingo Urban and is married to Sheila and the couple has one son Tapiwanashe. He was born on 1 April 1969 in Mwenezi in Masvingo province. Tongai is a founder member of the MDC when the party was launched in 1999. He is also the provincial secretary for Masvingo Province and in 2005 to March 2008; he was the MP for Masvingo Central before being elected the MP for Masvingo Urban on March 29 2008.

.He is also an MDC’s national legal committee member. He did his high school at Lundi and Fletcher High schools and in 1993 he attained a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Zimbabwe and is registered legal practitioner with the Zimbabwe Law Society (ZLS)...Hon. Matutu has represented the MDC as a lawyer since 2000...

Hon. Editor Matamisa is the MP for Kadoma Central in Mashonaland West province. She is married and has five children, two daughters and three sons.

She joined MDC in 2000 and was the party’s mayoral candidate for Kadoma in the mayoral election that year. Hon. Matamisa was the MDC national women’s co-coordinator in 2002 before being elected to the post of MP for Kadoma Central in 2005. She is the MDC’s deputy secretary for education...In March 2008, she was re-elected the MP for the same constituency. Hon. Matamisa holds a Masters in Educational Administration, Planning and Policy Studies..She has also successfully distinguished herself in her career in education before resigning after a long service as a teacher and headmaster to concentrate. ..

Hon. Pearson Tachiveyi Mungofa is married to Agnes and the couple has six children. A veteran politician, he was born on 17 October 1945. He is the MP for Highfield West in Harare and is one of the senior founder members of the MDC. Hon. Mungofa was the party’s first parliamentary candidate for Wedza constituency in Mashonaland East province.

.In 2003 he became the MP for the then Highfield constituency. Hon. Mungofa is an established businessman, a director of three companies and a qualified diamond cutter and gemstone dealer with over 30 years experience. He joined politics in 1964 as a member of the PCC youth wing and when he joined Zapu in 1965, he was detained for three months. He worked within Zapu up to the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987.

..Hon. Harrison Mudzuri was born on 25 January 1972 and is married. He is the MP for Zaka Central in Masvingo province. He has a diploma in education and has previously worked as a teacher but was fired for his participation in MDC activities. Hon. Mudzuri joined the MDC in 2000 when he was still a teacher at

Panganai School in Masvingo and was elected youth chairman for the then Zaka East district...Since then he has held several senior positions in Masvingo province and is the vice-chairperson for Zaka Central...

Hon. Edward Musumbu was born on 1 June 1955 in Mutare in Manicaland province. He is married and is the MP for Norton just outside of Harare. Hon. Musumbu is a founder member of the MDC and has held several positions within the party including being Norton district chairman in

2000. He is currently the vice chairman of the Chitungwiza province, which Norton falls under...Hon. Musumbu has also been involved since the 1980s, with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and is a health and safety officer of the Communications and Allied Services Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe...

Hon Alexei Musundire is the MP for Zengeza East in Chitungwiza just outside Harare. He was born on 19 November 1970 and is married with three children. He attended his high school education at Seke High No.5 and at Prince Edward School in Harare. After that he went to the University of Zimbabwe and attained a B Acc

(Hons). He then proceeded to the Bradford University in the United Kingdom (UK) where he graduated with an MBA – Finance. He is waiting for his LLB results from Unisa...Hon. Musundire has worked for several top companies in Zimbabwe holding senior managerial posts and is now running his private business. He joined the MDC in 1999 and in 2000 was elected provincial organising secretary for Chitungwiza. In 2001 he was the secretary for information and publicity for Luton branch in the UK. On his return to Zimbabwe he was elected provincial chairman for Chitungwiza from 2000 to 2003.

..Hon. Costin Muguti is the MP for Gokwe Kabuyuni in Midlands province. He is married and was born on 3 March 1970 in Kwekwe also in the Midlands province. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Finance (Honours) from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo. He also has a Part 2 of the Institute of Bakers of Zimbabwe.

.Hon. Muguti joined the MDC in 2000 and was elected Nenyunga Ward 2 organizing secretary in 2003. Since February 2006, the legislator has been the district chairman for Gokwe Chireya district. He was elected the MP for Gokwe Chireya in March 2008...

Samuel Tsungirirai Muzerengwa was born on 11 July 1946 in Buhera in Manicaland province. He is married and is the Senator for Buhera constituency. He joined the MDC in 1999 and since then he has held several positions in the party both in Buhera district and Manicaland province. In March 2008, Hon Muzerengwa was elected the senator for Buhera.

Douglas Togaraseyi Mwonzora is the MP for Nyanga North in Manicaland province and was born on 11 June 1968 in Nyanga. He is married and is a holder of several law qualifications including an LLB (Hons), M Phil (Law) and a Masters in Business Administration all from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). He joined politics when he was still a student at the UZ in 19986 and since then, Hon. Mwonzora has held several influential positions in civil society and other political organisations.

.These include his 2000 election as the national spokesperson of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA). For the period 2004 to 2005, he was elected national vice chairman of the NCA. In the MDC, he is a member of the Legal and Parliamentary and the Information and Publicity committees...

Hon. Siphiwe Ncube is the Senator for Emganwini in Bulawayo province. She was born on 6 October 1963 in Inyathi in Matebeleland South and is married with four children. She is one of the founding members of the MDC and was the party’s first organising secretary in the steering committee in 1999.

.Hon. Ncube is currently the provisional treasurer in the Bulawayo main wing.

..Hon. John Nyamande(The Late) was the MP for Makoni Central in Manicaland province and was born on 10 September 1952. He is married and has a B. Phil and M.A both from the Hull University in the United Kingdom (UK). He joined the MDC in 1999 and when he went to the UK in 2000, he was elected the information and publicity secretary for Southend branch until he was elected two years to the position of chairman for the combined UK and Ireland.

.He left the UK for Zimbabwe in 2007 to contest in the March 2008 elections, which he resoundingly won...

Hon. Sibonile Nyamudeza was born on 10 March 1967 in Chipinge inManicaland province. He is married and is the MP for Chipinge West. After completing his high school education; Hon. Nyamudeza studied for a qualification in machine shop engineering, which he obtained in 1988. He then worked for the Ministry of Public Construction before starting his own business in construction.

.Hon. Nyamudeza joined the MDC in 2002 and assumed the position of ward vice chairperson. Before that he had been arrested for engaging in politics. He was detained in August 1990 by the Zanu PF regime on trumped up charges at Wha Wha Prison in Gweru. Among those arrested with Hon. Nyamudeza were; Hon. Patrick Kombayi, the Senator for Gweru the MDC MP for Hon. David Mwonzora and the MP for Dangamvura-Sakubva, Giles Mutsekwa...

Hon. Bednock Nyaude is the MP for Bindura South in Mashonaland Central. He was born on 17 November 1966 and is married. He holds diplomas in personnel management, industrial relations and ship broking. Hon. Nyaude joined the MDC in 1999 and since then he has held the position of organising secretary for Bindura South constituency.

.He is one of the two MPs from Mashonaland Central who broke history in the March 2008 harmonised elections and won legislative seats on an MDC ticket...

Hon. Jabulani Ndhlovu is the Senator for Hwange in Matebeleland North province. He was born on 12 October 1959 in Gweru and is married. He has a Bachelor of Law Honours degree from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). Senator Ndhlovu joined the MDC in 2001 whilst studying law at the UZ.

.Before attending university he had been employed by the Ministry of Justice as a magistrate for 15 years. After graduating as a lawyer, Senator Ndhlovu rejoined the Ministry of Justice as a magistrate. However, when the then Resident Minister of Matebeleland North discovered that he was a member of the MDC he was harassed until he chose to resign in 2002...That year he opened a law firm in Victoria Falls and since then he has been defending MDC members in court. In 2007, Senator Ndhlovu became the MDC’s secretary for legal affairs for Hwange district and in March 2008, he was elected as the senator for Hwange.

..Hon. Ward Nezi is the MP for Murehwa West in Mashonaland East province and was born on 31 August 1957. He holds a diploma in education from the United Teachers’ College in Bulawayo. He also has a Teaching through Creative Arts – Special Education qualification. Hon. Nezi joined the MDC in 1999 and has since then held senior party position and in 2008 was appointed the chairman for Mashonaland East province.

.Hon. Nezi also made history this year when he won in Murehwa West, one of Zanu PFs well known strongholds...

Hon. Naison Nemadziva was born on 13 November 1966 in Mavhu village in Buhera in Manicaland province. He is the MP for Buhera South and is married.

He completed his “A” Levels in 1988 at Waddilove Institute in Marondera and later trained as a boiler maker. He joined the MDC in 1999 and in 2000 was elected Buhera South Ward 28 chairman. In 2000 he was elected finance chairperson and was from 2002 to 2006 a councillor for Ward 28.. .Hon. Nemadziva operates some businesses in Buhera...

Hon. Samuel Sipepa Nkomo is the MP for Lobengula. He is married and is blessed with seven children and 12 grandchildren. Hon. Nkomo joined the National Democratic Party in 1960; joined ZAPU in 1961and was its provincial secretary for Matebeleland. He is the Minister of Water Development and Management in the inclusive government.

.He was detained by the Ian Smith regime at Gweru and Wha Wha Prisons for 14 years. In 1999 he joined the MDC and has held several senior portfolios within the party and is currently the secretary for Integration, Healing and Reconciliation. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and has been employed as a certified financial accountant, certified financial consultant, certified cost and executive accountant, and a chartered professional manager for various blue chip companies...

Hon. Kokerai Pikitai Rugara was born on 17 August 1937 in rural Bikita and is the Senator for Bikita in Masvingo province. He is married and holds a B. Sc, M. Ed and Ph. D in education. He has extensive knowledge in educational management and has worked for the government in different capacities and also as a lecturer at various colleges in the country and outside Zimbabwe.

.Senator Rugara entered active politics in 1999 after the MDC was launched. He has been instrumental in running developmental projects in Masvingo province particularly in Bikita. In parliament, he is a member of the Pan African Parliament (PAP)...Josiah Mukayi Rimbi was born on 12 October 1939 in Chipinge in Manicaland and is married. He is the senator for Chipinge. He entered active politics in 1970 when he became a member of Zanu that was being led at the time by the late Rev. Ndabaningi Sithole. In 1999 he became a member of the MDC and in March 2008, he was elected the senator for Chipinge.

.Hon. Agnes Mloyi Sibanda was born on 5 July 1951 in Insiza. She is a widow and the Senator for Gwabalanda constituency. After completing her “O” Levels, Hon. Sibanda worked for various companies in Bulawayo. She joined politics in 1964 as a youth member of Zapu’s youth wing. She rose through the ranks becoming ward chairperson and district chairperson from 1980 to 1986.

.Hon. Sibanda joined the MDC in 1999 and was appointed district chairperson of the MDC Women’s Assembly. From 2001 to 2005, she was the provincial women’s chairlady. In 2006 she was elected the chairperson of Bulawayo province a position she still holds...

Hon. Felix Magalela Mafa Sibanda was born 5 February 1947 in rural Insiza, Matebeleland South and is married with five adult children.He is the MP for Magwegwe in Bulawayo province. Hon. Sibanda is a renowned educationist and has taught at various schools in the country for over 25 years. He obtained a diploma in education in 1984 and B. Ed in 1986 both from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).

.He entered politics in 1965 when he was still a student and was arrested on 11 November 1965 for protesting against the Unilateral Declaration for Independence (UDI) and spent five months in detention. As a Zapu member, Hon. Sibanda was instrumental during the liberation struggle in recruiting young freedom fighters for training in neighbouring Zambia...In 1992, he was involved in the formation of the human rights group, Zimrights and the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) in 1998. He joined the MDC in 1999 and has held several ranks within the party including being the current information and publicity secretary for Bulawayo province.

..Hon. Herbert Madolo Sinamapande was born on 4 July 1960 in rural Sinamapande, Binga district in Matebeleland North. He is married, has six children and is the Senator for Binga. Hon. Sinamapande has qualifications in labour relations, stores control and material purchasing. He also has a strong background in the labour union and is the vice chairman of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) in Binga.

.The senator joined the MDC in 1999 and in 2000; he was appointed the MDC Binga district chairman...

Hon. Tose Wesley Sansole was born on 28 March 1957 in Hwange in Matebeleland North. He is married and is the MP of Hwange East. Hon. Sansole completed his “O” Levels in 1974 and his “A” levels in 1976. After that he studied for Articles in Chartered Accountancy with the Institute of Chartered Accountancy which he obtained in 1984.

.He is also a holder of a diploma in general management and a certificate in personnel management. Hon. Sansole joined politics in the 1970’s as a member of Zapu but left the party when Zapu joined Zanu PF in the Unity Accord Agreement in December 1987. He joined the MDC in 2000 and was elected councillor in the Municipality of Victoria Falls. He became an executive mayor of Victoria Falls from 2003 to March 2008...In the party, Hon. Sansole is the secretary for local government for Matebeleland North province. He was elected the MP for Hwange East, which covers the resort town of Victoria Falls in March 2008...

Hon. Misheck Shoko is the MP for Chitungwiza South. He is married and was born on 14 June 1960 in Mberengwa, Midlands province. Hon. Shoko has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Masters Degree in Educational Administration. He joined politics in 1978 as a member of the liberation movement

Zanla. He is a founder member of the MDC and during that year was appointed secretary for Ward 24 in Chitungwiza...In 2002 he was elected the executive mayor for Chitungwiza Town Council until 2005. Hon. Shoko was elected MP for Chitungwiza South in March 2008. He is also Chitungwiza provincial secretary for education.

..Hon. Dorcas Star Sibanda is the MP for Tshabalala in Bulawayo province. She was born on 3 August 1966 and is married. She joined the MDC in 1999 and between 2002 and 2004; Hon. Sibanda was the branch secretary for Paddonhurst in Bulawayo. She is currently the district chair for Bulawayo Central and was elected the MP for Tshabalala in March 2008.

Hon. Patrick Nene Sibanda was born on 25 December 1962 in Binga and is the MP for Binga North in Matebeleland North. He joined politics as a member of the Zapu youth, later joined the MDC in 1999 and was elected ward councillor in 2000. Between 2002 and 2006, Hon. Sibanda was the vice council chairman and also during that period he was co-opted as the Matebeleland North provincial political commissar.

.He became the MP for Binga North constituency, which is at the Zambian and Zimbabwean border in March 2008...

Hon. Anadi Arnold Sululu was born on 9 February 1970 in Kwekwe, the Midlands province. He is married and is the MP for Silobela, which is also in the Midlands province. He obtained a B - Tech in Business from Wickney College in the United Kingdom and is studying for a B - Comm. degree in financial management with Unisa.

.Hon. Sululu joined the MDC in 2000 and in 2001; he was appointed the MDC secretary of the Inner City branch in Johannesburg, South Africa. On his return to Zimbabwe he has held several positions within the party and is an advisor to the Youth Assembly chairman, Hon. Thamsqana Mahlangu...

Hon. Trevor Jones Saruwaka was born on 17 May 1975 in Mutasa in Manicaland province and is married. He is the MP for Mutasa Central and holds a national diploma in forestry and a Bachelor of Technology in Forestry from Port Elizabeth Technikon in South Africa. He joined the MDC in 2000 and was that year appointed the secretary for Nyanga district in 2005 up to 2005.

.Hon. Saruwaka was appointed the MP for Mutasa Central in March 2008 and also made history by defeating one of Zanu PF’s heavyweights,.Oppah Muchinguri.

..Hon. Rodger Tazviona was born on 27 July 1973 in Kwekwe in Midlands province. He is the MP for Zhombe also in the Midlands province. He joined the MDC at its inception in 1999 and has been supporting the party’s council, parliamentary and presidential candidates since then. Hon Tazviona is currently a member of the MDC Midlands North province.

Hon. Jameson Zvidzai Timba is the MP for Mt Pleasant in Harare. He is married and was born on 18 September 1964 in Marondera in Mashonaland East province. He holds a B sc (Hons) in Politics and Administration from the University of Zimbabwe and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

.Hon. Timba is the Deputy Minister of Media, Information and Publicity in the inclusive government. Hon. Timba joined the MDC at its inception in 1999. He holds several positions in the party including being a committee member of National Executive’s Administration, Finance, Legal and Information and Publicity committees. .He was elected the MP for Mt. Pleasant in March 2008...

Hon. Brian Tshuma is the MP for Hwange Central in Matebeleland North. He is single and was born on 19 December 1977 in Hwange. He obtained a LLBS from the University of Zimbabwe in 2006 where he started his political activism as a student leader. Hon. Tshuma is a practicing lawyer in Hwange and a member of the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) and joined the MDC in 2000.

.He has been the MDC district secretary for Hwange since 2006 and was elected the MP for Hwange Central in March 2008.

..Hon. Jani Varandeni was born 2 January 1958 in rural Bikita and is MP for Bikita South in Masvingo province. He is married. After finishing his high school, Hon. Varandeni worked for various companies in Masvingo Town before venturing into private business in Masvingo and Bikita. Hon. Varandeni joined the MDC at its formation in 1999 and was elected district chairperson for Bikita South, a position he held up to 2004.

.In 2004 up to now he has been the district treasurer for the same district. He was elected the MP for Bikita South in the March 2009 parliamentary elections.

..Senator Sessel Zvidzai is married and has four children, one boy and three girls. He is the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Urban and Rural Development in the inclusive government. He joined MDC in 2000 and that year up to 2004, he was the secretary for Ward 3, Gweru Urban district. In 2002, Senator Zvidzai was elected the Mayor for Gweru Town.

.In 2005, he became the district secretary and in 2006, he was elected as the MDC secretary for local government. In 1983, Senator Zvidzai holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and a Diploma in Industrial Management AIIM- UK (1998).

..Senator Matson Mpofu Hlalo was born on 7 April 1953 and is married. He is the Senator for Mzilikazi in Bulawayo and is also a devout Catholic. Senator Hlalo has been a businessman and philanthropist since 1975 and that year he also joined politics as a member of the Zapu youth wing. In 1987 after the Unity Accord between Zanu PF and PF Zapu, Senator Hlalo became a member of Zanu PF and in 1995 he was elected the councillor for Mzilikazi.

. However, he left Zanu PF in 1999 and that year was elected as an independent councillor. In 2000 he unsuccessfully contested for the parliamentary election as an independent candidate but lost to the MDC. After that defeat Senator Hlalo decided to join the MDC and was elected as the chairperson for Makokoba district..In 2001 he was elected as the deputy Organising Secretary for Bulawayo province and in 2006, Senator Hlalo was elected the vice provincial chairperson, a position he still holds...Senator Hlalo has also held several senior positions in various organisations including being the Matebeleland Provincial Chairperson of the Red Cross from 1997 to 2007, board member of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) from 1995 to 1997 and a board member of Ingwebu Breweries from 1997 to 2000. He was elected the senator for Mzilikazi in March 2008.

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