Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of Zimbabwe’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party faces a new challenge after an activist moved to recall some of the party’s elected officials.
Sengezo Tshabangu, who identifies as the CCC’s interim secretary general, wrote to Parliament Speaker Jacob Mudenda notifying him of plans to recall 15 CCC MPs and 17 local councillors. Tshabangu claims these representatives have ceased being party members.
However, the CCC refutes Tshabangu’s role and status, describing him as an imposter. Spokesperson Gift Siziba dismissed the recall attempt, stating the party has not removed any deployed representatives.
“The CCC party has neither recalled nor does it intend to recall any of its recently-elected deployees,” Siziba said in a statement.
“The citizens’ movement is taking action against this impostor and all his contacts,” Siziba told NewsDay.
Tshabangu targeted CCC members from several provinces including Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South, and Harare. He refused to disclose reasons for the recalls when questioned.
Speaker Mudenda confirmed receiving Tshabangu’s letter but would not comment further. Meanwhile, CCC chief whip Amos Chibaya questioned the letter’s authenticity, noting the party does not recognize Tshabangu.
Tshabangu has previous involvement in opposition politics but the CCC formed this year without formal structures or posts like secretary general. Siziba accused ZANU-PF of sponsoring imposters to destabilize the party following its election defeat.
“This deplorable behaviour by Zanu PF is a response to their defeat in 2023 and rejection by Zimbabwe and a pathetic attempt to respond to the exercise of our freedom of association in not attending the official opening of Parliament yesterday (on Tuesday),” Siziba said.
Chamisa still disputes the election result and is lobbying for regional pressure on Zimbabwe to re-run the polls. However, this leadership dispute presents a new complication for the opposition movement.
