Harare – A major reshuffle within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) parliamentary leadership has sent ripples through the political landscape. Acting secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has dismissed several key figures, replacing them with new appointees in a move that has sparked considerable discussion. The changes, detailed in a memorandum circulating widely on social media, affect various leadership positions within Parliament, including the Leader of the Opposition and several committee chairpersons.
Among the most significant changes is the removal of Lynette Karenyi-Kore, the Chikanga legislator, from her position as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. She has been replaced by Maureen Kademaunga, the Member of Parliament for Sunningdale. The timing of this decision is noteworthy, as Karenyi-Kore was earlier this year appointed president of the CCC on a rotational basis with Welshman Ncube, a position she has yet to assume.
The reshuffle also impacts the party’s whips. Edwin Mushoriwa, the former chief whip, has been replaced by Charles Moyo, while Sam Chapfudza takes on the role of deputy chief whip in the Senate. These changes have been confirmed by a memorandum from Tshabangu.
Several committee chairpersons have also been affected. Caston Matewu, the Marondera Central MP, has been removed as chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services, with Zivai Mhetu assuming the role. Thokozani Khupe is the new chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology, succeeding Minenhle Ntandoyenkosi Gumede. Senator Maxwell Mdhluri replaces Sithabisiwe Moyo as chairperson of the Thematic Committee on Indigenisation. Further changes include Richard Tsvangirai replacing Takudzwa Ngadziore as deputy chairperson of the Youth Caucus, and S Dube replacing Ropafadzo Makumire as secretary of the same caucus.
A comprehensive list of the redeployments, as detailed in the memorandum, includes:
A. Parliament Leadership:
- Hon. M. Kademaunga replaces Hon. L. Karenyi-Kore as the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly.
- Sen. N. Mlotshwa is confirmed as the overall Chief Whip.
- Hon. C. Moyo replaces Hon. E. Mushoriwa as the Chief Whip in the National Assembly.
- Hon. S. Chapfudza is appointed as the Deputy Chief Whip in the Senate.
B. Committee Chairpersons:
- Hon. T. Khupe replaces Hon. M. N. Gumede as Chairperson of the Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Committee.
- Hon. Z.T. Mhetu replaces Hon. Matewu as Chairperson of the Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Committee.
- Hon. Sen. M. Mdhluri replaces Hon. S. Moyo as the Chairperson of the Thematic Committee on Indegenisation.
- Hon. R. Tsvangirai replaces Hon. T. Ngadziore as the Deputy Chairperson of the Youth Caucus.
- Hon. Dube replaces Hon. R. Makumire as the Secretary of the Youth Caucus.
- Hon. I. Ndudzo Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs.
- Hon. J. Tshuma Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
- Hon. R. Matangira Mines and Mineral Development.
- Hon. S. Maburutse Lands, Agriculture and Water.
- Hon. D. Malinganiso Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
- Hon. W. Shamu Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
- Hon. E. Mutodi Budget, Finance and Economic Development.
- Hon. E. Maoneke Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans.
- Hon. G. Mutandi Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
- Hon. T. Karikoga Transport and Infrastructural Development.
- Hon. S. Mandiwanzira Primary and Secondary Education.
- Hon. F. Jere Sports and Recreation.
- Hon. C. Chiduwa Industry and Commerce.
- Hon. S. Matema Environment and Climate Change.
- Hon. M. Ziyambi Youth and Empowerment.
- Hon. J. Samkange Parliamentary Legal Committee.
C. Parliamentary Delegations:
Hon. Kabondo (F) replaces Hon. M. Ngwena as a member of ASSECAA.
The changes have been met with mixed reactions. Edwin Mushoriwa, upon learning of his removal as chief whip, announced his resignation via a WhatsApp message to fellow CCC legislators. “Greetings Hon Members. Just to advise that my six-month stint as the opposition chief whip of the National Assembly has come to an end. I got the communication this morning from the Clerk of Parliament and the announcement will be done in due course when Parliament resumes,” he wrote.
Willias Madzimure, spokesperson for the CCC faction aligned with Ncube, stated his lack of awareness regarding the changes, saying, “I would not know since it is Parliament business. But if it was anything to do with the party led by Welshman Ncube, I would know. If it was coming from someone else, I would not know.”
Similarly, Maureen Kademaunga expressed surprise at her appointment, indicating she was unaware of the decision.
