Sengezo Tshabangu has dismissed his suspension from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), challenging the authority of Acting Party President Professor Welshman Ncube.
Tshabangu, who recently declared himself the party’s Secretary General and currently serves as leader of the opposition in Parliament, has described Prof. Ncube as an ordinary member without the power to enforce leadership decisions.
This leadership dispute has sparked further turmoil within the CCC, raising doubts about its ability to effectively challenge Zanu PF. Critics argue that the opposition party has become consumed by internal conflicts instead of focusing on pressing issues such as economic reforms, service delivery, or holding the ruling party accountable.
Tshabangu’s suspension was announced shortly after the High Court ruled against him on Wednesday, exposing deeper rifts within Zimbabwe’s leading opposition party. In the judgment delivered by Justice Neville Wamambo, Tshabangu was barred from making changes to the party’s parliamentary leadership. This ruling followed an urgent application filed by Prof. Ncube, who accused Tshabangu of overstepping his authority by recalling MPs without proper consultation.
Justice Wamambo cited a prior judgment by Justice Tawanda Chitapi, which had already deemed Tshabangu’s recall actions “unlawful and invalid.” In response, Prof. Ncube swiftly suspended Tshabangu, accusing him of violating the party’s constitution.
Presidential spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi confirmed the suspension, emphasizing that it was effective immediately.
However, Tshabangu hit back at the move, questioning Prof. Ncube’s legitimacy as Acting President. His lawyer, Nqobani Sithole, stated that there was no formal communication regarding the suspension. “To our knowledge, there is currently no president in the CCC because Prof. Ncube’s term expired,” Sithole told reporters.
Sithole further argued that Prof. Ncube was acting outside the party’s constitution. “We have communicated a comprehensive legal opinion to the party, including to Prof. Ncube, that his role as Acting President ended. He is, therefore, masquerading as a leader,” he said.
Sithole also highlighted the temporary nature of Prof. Ncube’s role, which was supposed to rotate among leaders following his February 2024 appointment. “The rotation never happened, and the five-year term for holding the party congress has expired. Continuing to act in such a role contradicts their own constitution,” Sithole explained.
As it stands, Sithole insists Tshabangu remains Secretary General of the CCC and leader of the opposition in Parliament. He announced plans to appeal Justice Wamambo’s ruling at the Supreme Court, stating, “We have received instructions to challenge the judgment and are awaiting further direction from the party.”
The CCC’s internal divisions have drawn heavy criticism from analysts and commentators, who argue the infighting detracts from its mandate as the main opposition.
Dr. Khanyile Mlotshwa, a political scholar, characterized the situation as “politics through lawfare,” warning that the legal battles could become a never-ending cycle. “The CCC needs to take a step back and refocus on its primary role of opposing Zanu PF,” he said.
He added, “It remains to be seen whether Ncube’s suspension of Tshabangu will hold. If Tshabangu chooses to challenge this in court, the infighting could spiral further.” Dr. Mlotshwa cautioned that unresolved leadership disputes only serve to benefit Zanu PF.
Political analyst Mxolisi Ncube offered a harsher critique, accusing the CCC of being ideologically bankrupt and plagued by self-interest. “The CCC, in all its variations, has shown time and again that it lacks a coherent ideology. Instead of addressing Zimbabwe’s challenges, its leaders have devoted their energy to internal squabbles and self-serving agendas,” he said.
Ncube further criticized the party’s performance, pointing to poor service delivery in urban areas and corruption as evidence of its failures. “Zimbabwean voters deserve better than these greedy individuals who have been part of the opposition since 2000. It’s time for a new vision and leadership,” he added.
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.
