Tshabangu strikes again, recalls Harare mayor, councillors

Harare (New Ziana – The political upheavals in the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party continued unabated on Thursday, with controversial interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu recalling more officials from their public posts, the latest Harare mayor Ian Makone and eight councillors.

In a letter dated 8 November 2023 to Local Government and Public Works Minister Winston Chitando, Tshabangu said the nine councillors, including Makone, had ceased to be members of the opposition party.

“Kindly be advised that the following Councilors were under Citizens Coalition for Change political party and have ceased to be members of the Citizens Coalition for Change,” he said.

The axed councilors include Makone, his deputy Kudzai Kadzombe, Denford Ngadziore, Lovejoy Chitegu, Samuel Gwenzi, Chido Hamauswa, Tiriboyi Sabina, Florence Cheza and Fadzai Matimba.

The latest recall follows that of 15 MPs, nine Senators and 17 councillors last month which was upheld by the High Court after they contested the move on the basis that Tshabangu was not a legitimate interim secretary general.

Party leader Nelson Chamisa wrote to Parliament disowning Tshabangu and requesting it to disregard his recall letter, arguing that the party did not have the position of interim secretary general.

Adding to the political theatrics in the party, an individual from Bulawayo claiming to be the interim chairperson of the CCC has claimed the party assembly had “fired” Tsabangu, and replaced him with a new interim secretary general.

In a letter dated 6 November to Chitando and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, one Maxwell Omen Murindagomo said any correspondence from Tshabangu should be disregarded as he had been suspended from his post.

“Kindly be advised that the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), political party has fired its Interim Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu with immediate effect. The Citizens movement reached this decision at its Citizens Assembly Meeting held in Bulawayo on Sunday 05 November 2023,” he said.

“The reason for the expulsion emanates from the unilateral decision by Sengezo Tshabangu that led to the recall of Citizens Coalition for Change CCC Councillors. As of today, you’re advised not to entertain any letter or correspondence from Sengezo Tshabangu. The same meeting has appointed Zibusiso Tshongwe as interim National Secretary General for Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC),” said Murindagomo.

When Tshabangu recalled the 15 MPs and some councilors last month, Chamisa wrote to National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda, Senate President Mabel Chinomona and Chitando disowning him and requesting them to disregard his letter.

Parliament, however went ahead and effected the recalls, arguing that it did not have the authority to interfere in the internal disputes of political parties.

It also pointed out that the CCC did not have structures and there anyone could write letters on its behalf and Parliament would accept them.

During the nomination for the December 9 elections, Chamisa again wrote to the ZEC requesting it to only accept papers for candidates with his signature but the electoral body went on the accept those with Tshabangu’s signature.

It remains to be seen whether Parliament, ZEC and Chitando will accept the letter from Murindagomo.

Commentators say even if they do, another individual will also come out claiming to be interim secretary general and continue to cause havoc in the opposition party.

The only lasting solution to the crisis, they say, is for Chamisa to have a constitution for his party and to establish CCC administrative and leadership structures.

Otherwise the political upheavals in the party will continue endlessly.

New Ziana