Harare – The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), under the leadership of Welshman Ncube, has firmly closed the door on any dialogue with Sengezo Tshabangu, whom they have dismissed as merely an ordinary party member.
This decision comes amid a growing rift within the party following Tshabangu’s controversial actions since taking control after the resignation of former leader Nelson Chamisa in February this year.
Tshabangu’s tenure has been marked by significant turmoil, including the recall of several CCC lawmakers and councillors, which led to costly by-elections. These elections allowed Zanu PF to regain a two-thirds majority, raising concerns about the impact of internal discord on the party’s political standing.
Tshabangu’s recent claims to leadership have sparked a bitter power struggle, particularly after he received legal advice suggesting that the terms of office for all party officials, except his own, had expired in May. This revelation has intensified the conflict between his faction and Ncube’s camp.
Nqobizitha Mlilo, Tshabangu’s spokesperson, addressed the situation, stating that there are “constant discussions between and among party members” regarding the fallout. He emphasised, “It’s normal in any political party for members to differ here and there, or on issues of emphasis of one aspect or another.”
He characterised these differences as tactical rather than strategic, asserting that members should be free to express their views without external influence.
However, despite these assertions, Mlilo did not provide any concrete details about the progress of the discussions between Ncube and Tshabangu. In contrast, Willias Madzimure, spokesperson for the Ncube-led CCC, categorically ruled out any possibility of dialogue with Tshabangu.
“The moment there are talks between Tshabangu and Ncube, we would be implying he is a leader of a political party,” Madzimure stated. “But he is claiming to be the secretary general of the party and he can’t be the leader of the party at the same time.”
Madzimure further argued that Tshabangu lacks the legal standing to question the legitimacy of any member within the party. This assertion highlights the deepening divisions and questions surrounding the authority of both factions.
The conflict extends beyond leadership disputes, as both Ncube and Tshabangu are embroiled in a contentious battle over funds allocated under the Political Parties Fund (Act). The CCC was allocated Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) 22 million from the total ZiG 70 million dispensed to political parties that participated in the August 2023 elections. Madzimure made it clear that Tshabangu cannot legitimately claim any benefits from these funds, asserting, “Tshabangu is just an individual, and he can’t benefit from the political funding.”
He elaborated that being the secretary general does not entitle Tshabangu to act as the party’s treasurer. “It’s the party which decides who the signatory is. The fund must be directed to the party, not an individual,” he stressed. Madzimure further cautioned that directing these funds to a single individual could amount to money laundering, highlighting the serious implications of mismanaging party finances.
Adding fuel to the fire, Chamisa has publicly dismissed Tshabangu’s claims, labelling him a Zanu PF proxy, a charge that Tshabangu vehemently denies. This accusation underscores the intensity of the factional battles within the CCC and raises questions about the party’s future direction.
