A major power struggle is brewing within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), pitting two prominent factions against the self-proclaimed secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu. The conflict escalated dramatically after Tshabangu dismissed several senior party officials from their parliamentary positions, triggering a legal battle that has united unlikely allies.
The High Court in Bulawayo is now the stage for this political showdown, with a faction led by Welshman Ncube initially launching an urgent application to halt Tshabangu’s actions. Tshabangu’s controversial moves included the dismissal of Lynette Kore, the CCC’s leader of the opposition in Parliament, and Edwin Mushoriwa, the chief whip. He also replaced numerous chairpersons of parliamentary portfolio committees, sparking outrage and prompting swift legal action.
Ncube’s application sought to restrain Tshabangu from implementing these changes and to prevent the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, from announcing them. The application named Tshabangu as the first respondent, with the CCC party, Kore, and Mushoriwa joining Ncube as applicants. Their aim was clear: to block Tshabangu’s unilateral actions and protect the integrity of the party’s parliamentary representation.
Adding fuel to the fire, a separate application for joinder was filed by a CCC faction led by Jameson Timba. High Court judge Justice Neville Wamambo granted this request, effectively bringing Timba’s faction into the legal battle against Tshabangu. The two factions, previously operating independently, have now formed a united front against the controversial secretary-general. The parties, represented by Agency Gumbo, appeared before Justice Wamambo last Friday.
William Madzimure, spokesperson for the Ncube-led CCC faction, provided an update on the court proceedings.
“As respondents had not filed any papers notwithstanding that they have had five days to do so, the Honourable Judge ordered as follows: that Tshabangu as first respondent shall file his opposing papers on 18 December 2024,” Madzimure explained.
“That the speaker as second respondent shall file his opposing papers on 20th December 2024. The fourth respondent who is Jameson Timba’s CCC who applied for, and was granted joinder shall file their opposing papers (against our application) on 18 December 2024 as well.” The matter is scheduled for hearing on December 30th.
Madzimure underscored the party’s determination to prevent Tshabangu from recalling or reshuffling elected members of Parliament. “The party remains resolute in upholding its responsibility to protect the party and national constitutions, defend its elected deployees, zones of autonomy and most importantly, the people’s vote,” he stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the stakes involved.
The genesis of this conflict can be traced back to the actions of Tshabangu himself. Following the recall of several Members of Parliament by Tshabangu, CCC founder Nelson Chamisa resigned in protest, triggering costly by-elections. This led to the appointment of Welshman Ncube as leader of a faction within the party. Ncube’s subsequent legal challenge is a direct response to what he sees as Tshabangu’s abuse of power and disregard for established party processes.
Adding further weight to the legal challenge, Ncube, in his founding affidavit, argues that Tshabangu acted without the authority of the party, describing his actions as a “frolic of his own.” He stated that Tshabangu’s actions were “not the collective and correct position of the 1 Applicant (CCC)” and that he is “a non-entity”.
He further accuses Tshabangu of defying a previous court order prohibiting the recall of party members, claiming that the recent reshuffle was essentially a disguised recall. Ncube also revealed that disciplinary proceedings against Tshabangu are imminent.
“His actions (Tshabangu) do not represent the collective decision of the CCC,” Ncube stated in his affidavit.
“He was on a frolic of his own and what he did does not reflect the collective and correct position of the 1 Applicant (CCC). He is a non-entity and it is surprising that the Speaker keeps entertaining him instead of the party,” he added. He also stated that Tshabangu “disguised recalls as redeployments in violation of a court ruling.”
The High Court case is not limited to the parliamentary reshuffle. The applicants are also challenging the appointment of Senator Nonhlahla Mlotshwa as CCC chief whip, arguing that this position lacks constitutional recognition under Section 151 (2) of the Constitution. They also contest the broader reshuffling of CCC members across various parliamentary committees. The applicants are seeking a court declaration that Tshabangu’s actions are unlawful and exceed his authority. They also seek an order preventing the Speaker from announcing these changes in the National Assembly.
The legal battle between the combined forces of Timba and Ncube against Tshabangu is far from over. The December 30th hearing promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for control within the CCC, with significant implications for the party’s future and its parliamentary representation. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the political landscape within Zimbabwe.
