Former MDC Alliance Secretary General urges Chamisa to mend fences with party leaders
In a bid to address the perceived differences within the opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) President Nelson Chamisa has been called upon by his former Secretary General in the MDC Alliance, Chalton Hwende, to engage in a constructive dialogue with former deputies Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti, and imprisoned former legislator Job Sikhala.
Recent factional fights within the CCC have been marred by ongoing attacks on the party, with Ncube and Biti allegedly implicated. The primary instigator behind these clashes has been identified as Sengezo Tshabangu, an individual allegedly linked to the former Vice Presidents.
Tshabangu, who claims to have been elected Interim Secretary General, had previously been associated with the MDC under Welshman Ncube. After a prolonged absence, he recently resurfaced and initiated the recalls of over 10 CCC Members of Parliament (MPs), asserting his role within Chamisa’s movement.
However, Chamisa himself is reportedly facing a rift with his former deputies and Sikhala. They feel excluded from his project, with their experience seemingly replaced by young student activists.
Hwende emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “President Chamisa is the best foot forward to remove Zanu PF. Anyone who thinks otherwise is making a mistake, he represents the millions who have a national grievance with Zanu PF.”
Hwende further urged Chamisa to engage in discussions with Biti, Sikhala, and Ncube, emphasizing the need to work together and expand their alliance to include prominent opposition and civil society leaders.
“He needs a conversation with Biti, Sikhala and Ncube. They must work together and jointly must broaden their alliance to include key opposition and civic society leaders.
“We need a broad based democratic movement behind Chamisa to win against Zanu PF,” Hwende continued.
Within the CCC, Chamisa stands as the sole figure with the position of President, joined by party Spokesperson Promise Mkhwananzi and Ostallos Siziba, who is part of his communications team and also a candidate for Pelandaba.
As the opposition party seeks to reconcile internal differences and strengthen its alliances, the call for unity among key leaders serves as a critical step toward challenging the ruling Zanu PF party in the upcoming political landscape.
