HARARE – Nelson Chamisa brought his leadership rivals back into the fold on Wednesday as he announced additional names to an MDC leadership team voted at a congress last month.

Douglas Mwonzora and Elias Mudzuri, who both had an intention to challenge Chamisa but failed to secure the backing of party members, were returned to the party’s national executive committee as deputy secretary for international relations and secretary for local government respectively.

Morgen Komichi, defeated in the race for vice president, was appointed secretary for presidential affairs.

Daniel Molokele, who ran for secretary general, is the new MDC spokesman, taking over from Jacob Mafume who has been re-assigned as secretary for elections. Luke Tamborinyoka will deputise Molokele.

Gladys Hlatshwayo is the secretary for international relations, Chamisa announced.

Murisi Zvizwai is the new deputy treasurer-general, deputising David Coltart who was voted at congress.

Former youth leader Bvondo Chidziva is the party’s new deputy organising secretary, deputising Amos Chibaya.

The biggest surprise, however, was the announcement that prominent Harare lawyer Fadzayi Mahere, who ran as an independent in parliamentary elections last July, had joined the MDC as the secretary for education, sports and culture.

The new-look MDC national executive committee will “take leadership to a completely new level,” Chamisa said.

“We have a solid team,” Chamisa said on Twitter.

Announcing her decision to join the MDC, Mahere said: “Zimbabwe deserves a strong, united opposition to build the future. I’m happy to announce that I’ve officially joined the MDC. We must speak with one voice against bad governance and strive to create a nation that is free and prosperous. All hands on deck.”