In a recent development, Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed secretary general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has written a letter to Winston Chitando, the Minister of Local Government, dismissing the decision made by his party leader, Nelson Chamisa, to dismiss Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume.
Mafume was fired on Tuesday night on grounds of colluding with Tshabangu to remove previous Harare Mayors, with the intention of retaining his own position after the Harmonised Elections in August. He was accused of causing instability within the party, following previous allegations of being a key member of the CCC along with former Finance Minister Tendai Biti.
Tshabangu’s previous recalls were halted by the intervention of the High Court last year. The communication sent to Minister Chitando emphasized that Tshabangu, as the Interim Secretary General of the party, is the only authorized officer to conduct recalls and communicate with public bodies for that purpose, as specified in the party constitution filed with the minister’s office. The communication also highlighted that the courts have barred recalls.
“We hereby advise that Sengezo Tshabangu, the Interim Secretary General of the party is the only officer authorised to effect recalls and to communicate with public bodies for that purpose in terms of our party constitution previously lodged with your office,” the letter stated.
Alongside Mafume, six other councillors from Marondera, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Harare were also dismissed for similar reasons.
Chamisa is facing the possibility of losing a second political faction, following the takeover of the MDC by former Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora.
The response from the Ministry of Local Government will serve as evidence of Chamisa’s influence over the institution, particularly in its relationship with state institutions, should they choose to acknowledge Tshabangu over him.
Last year, Parliament respected a recall letter sent by Tshabangu, despite having previously acknowledged Chamisa’s communication asserting his authority to dismiss members.
