BREAKING: Self-imposed CCC Secretary-General Sengezo Tshabangu SUSPENDED with immediate effect – Asvipwa ne ‘system’

Harare – In a dramatic escalation of the internal power struggle within Zimbabwe’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Acting President Professor Welshman Ncube has suspended interim Secretary-General Sengezo Tshabangu with immediate effect.

This decisive action follows a High Court ruling against Tshabangu and comes amidst accusations of attempts to undermine the party’s leadership and operations.

The suspension, announced by Presidential Spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi, cites Article 9.1.2.3 of the CCC constitution. The statement declared, “Tshabangu’s actions were deemed to be in contravention of the party’s constitution. The suspension is pending a disciplinary hearing in line with the party’s internal processes.”

This move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict within the CCC, a party already grappling with accusations of internal sabotage and factionalism.

The High Court ruling, delivered by Justice Neville Wamambo on Wednesday, directly addressed Tshabangu’s actions in attempting to restructure the party’s parliamentary leadership. Tshabangu had removed MPs Karenyi Konye, Sessel Zvidzai, and Edwin Mushoriwa from the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO) and appointed Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa as opposition chief whip. The court found that these actions constituted an illegal recall, prohibited by a previous High Court judgment, and that the appointment of Mlotshwa was unconstitutional.

The application to the High Court was filed by Acting President Welshman Ncube, along with Lynette Karenyi Kore, Sesel Zwidzai, and Edwin Mushoriwa. Ncube argued that Tshabangu lacked the authority to make such changes and that his actions were a blatant disregard for established party processes. Justice Wamambo agreed, stating that the removal of MPs from the CSRO constituted an illegal recall and that the position of opposition chief whip, as appointed by Tshabangu, lacked constitutional recognition.

The legal battle highlights the deep divisions within the CCC. Ncube’s lawyer, Method Ndlovu, highlighted the Speaker of Parliament’s swift acceptance of Tshabangu’s actions while ignoring numerous letters from Ncube.

Ndlovu stated, “There are several letters which were written by the applicants but they were ignored but he was so quick to act on the which was written by the second respondent.”

Ncube’s founding affidavit further criticised Tshabangu, stating, “His actions (Tshabangu) do not represent the collective decision of the CCC. 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.”

This internal strife within the CCC has deep roots. In a July 2023 interview with Skyz Metro FM, Acting President Ncube blamed the party’s internal turmoil on the leadership style of former leader Nelson Chamisa. Ncube criticised Chamisa’s “strategic ambiguity” approach, arguing that it created confusion and disarray, ultimately leading to the controversial recall of elected representatives.

He stated, “Over and above that, as we headed for the August 2023 elections, there was already serious confusion within the party as to who held what position and who did not hold any position…This other day we will wake up having Advocate Fadzai Mahere as the spokesperson and the next day it will be Mr Promise Mkhwananzi, all this under the animal, which they called ‘strategic ambiguity’. This is what caused all this confusion, which ended up giving birth to an interim secretary known as Tshabangu, people that we never elected to those positions as party members.”

The suspension of Tshabangu represents a significant attempt by Ncube to restore order and clarify leadership within the party. The upcoming disciplinary hearing will be closely watched as it could further shape the future direction of the CCC.