Controversial Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu, found himself in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a Swiss hospital last week after a sudden and serious illness, The Starndard has reported.
The incident occurred shortly after his arrival in Switzerland to attend the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, where he serves on the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development Goals. The Zimbabwean delegation, including Tshabangu, arrived last Friday for the assembly, scheduled from October 12th to 17th, 2024.
A source close to the politician, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Tshabangu was admitted to ICU with suspected food poisoning. “He was okay throughout the flight,” the source stated.
“The illness was sudden. Thanks to the efficient health system in this country, the situation was bad. He really never got the opportunity to attend the event. He was even admitted in the intensive care unit at one point because the situation was bad.”
When contacted by The Standard, Tshabangu confirmed his illness, albeit briefly. “Send a message, I am unable to take calls now… I am good now…,” he responded before directing further inquiries to his personal assistant, Nqobizitha Mlilo. Mlilo confirmed Tshabangu’s illness, stating, “Senator Tshabangu is recovering well. Every now and then people get sick; it’s a normal part of life. Infact, he has returned to the normal discharge of his duties.”
Tshabangu’s recent hospitalisation comes at a time of significant political turmoil within the CCC. His claim to the secretary-general position has been highly contested, with many within the party, including former party president Nelson Chamisa, viewing him as a Zanu-PF proxy – a claim Tshabangu vehemently denies.
His actions, such as recalling party councillors and legislators, leading to costly by-elections which benefited Zanu-PF, have fuelled these accusations. These by-elections ultimately resulted in Zanu-PF securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament, giving them the power to push through their preferred legislation.
Tshabangu’s rise to prominence within the CCC began in January 2022 when he declared himself interim secretary-general. This self-appointment triggered a series of internal conflicts within the party, leading to defections to Zanu-PF and further instability. He is also locked in a bitter dispute with officials from the Welshman Ncube-led faction of the CCC, after claiming that all other party leaders held illegitimate positions. Despite these controversies, the Zimbabwean government has recognised Tshabangu as the leader of the CCC, a recognition that has been a source of considerable contention.
This recognition is significant because it led to Tshabangu receiving $1.6 million from the government in September this year under the Political Parties (Finance) Act. This Act provides funding to parties that secure at least 5% of the vote. The government disbursed Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) 47,883,500 to Zanu-PF and ZiG 22,116,500 to the CCC, which, at the official exchange rate of ZiG 13.9, translates to approximately $1.6 million for Tshabangu’s portion.
The timing of Tshabangu’s illness and its impact on his ability to attend the IPU Assembly raise questions. The sudden nature of his illness, requiring ICU admission, and his subsequent recovery, all within a short timeframe, have left many speculating.
