The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Welshman Ncube, has sharply criticized Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary-general, warning him that his hold on power is temporary.
This criticism comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the CCC, as Tshabangu’s authority continues to be challenged by members of the opposition party.
Tshabangu, who has been at the center of controversy, is accused of orchestrating the recall of several CCC legislators, claiming they had ceased to be party members. These actions have led to growing unrest within the party, with some legislators reportedly paying Tshabangu to retain their parliamentary positions or secure appointments to influential roles.
One of the key figures to have fallen victim to Tshabangu’s reshuffle is Chikanga legislator Lynette Karenyi-Kore, who was removed from her post as Leader of the House in the National Assembly and replaced by Maureen Kademaunga. In addition, Edwin Mushoriwa, the former chief whip, was also dismissed in the reshuffle. Tshabangu’s actions have sparked anger among many within the party, who view these moves as part of a personal power struggle rather than a legitimate organizational decision.
In an interview with NewsDay, CCC spokesperson Willas Madzimure dismissed Tshabangu’s reshuffle, calling it an unnecessary exercise in power flexing. “It is not necessary, but because someone wants to flex their muscles, they make those unilateral decisions. We did not get any reason why those people were demoted,” Madzimure said. He also criticized Tshabangu for imposing personal decisions on the party and detracting from more pressing issues that the CCC should be focused on.
Madzimure also revealed that financial transactions were playing a role in the reshuffling of party positions. “There is money at play. Money is exchanging hands in a very serious manner. I am talking about large sums of money here. It is not by merit that they are taking those positions,” he said. Madzimure suggested that some party members were paying for positions both within Parliament and the party, further undermining the legitimacy of Tshabangu’s leadership.
While the opposition faction has yet to finalize its position on Tshabangu’s actions, Madzimure stressed that no further recalls would take place. He also expressed concern about the uncertainty that Tshabangu’s tactics were creating for CCC members in Parliament. “Is it humane to keep your colleague on edge in Parliament? Every time there is a letter read in Parliament, you will be thinking, it might be me who is being targeted this time,” he said.
Madzimure emphasized that, despite Tshabangu’s current power, it would not last forever. “You might have power now, notwithstanding how you got that power, but we are all human. We are not immortal,” he added.
He further condemned Tshabangu’s approach to leadership, likening it to the abuses of power seen in Zanu PF. “It is disheartening for people who worked hard to be in Parliament only to be recalled,” Madzimure said. “That power will be gone no matter who is celebrating that abuse of power. I was recalled twice. I know how it feels, but that will not stop me from talking against what is bad.”
Tshabangu and Ncube have been at odds over control of funds allocated under the Political Parties Finance Act, among other issues. However, Tshabangu did not respond to requests for comment, referring NewsDay to his spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, who was unavailable for comment at the time.
The ongoing power struggle within the CCC continues to shake the party as it faces internal divisions and challenges to its leadership.
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