Opposition CCC camp suspends self-styled secretary-general Tshabangu as factional fight rages

By Staff Reporter

OPPOSITION Citizens Coalition for Change’s (CCC) all-too-powerful secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu has been suspended from the party.

The latest development follows a fallout between Tshabangu and acting president Welshman Ncube opening another chapter of the party’s ongoing factional fights.

In a statement, the CCC aligned to Ncube announced Tshabangu’s suspension.

“Acting in terms of Article 9.1.2.3 of the CCC Constitution the Acting President Prof Welshman Ncube has suspended Sengezo Tshabangu with immediate effect,” said presidential spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi.

“This decision was made in light of Tshabangu’s actions, which were deemed to be in contravention of the party’s constitution.

“Tshabangu’s suspension is pending a disciplinary hearing, which will be conducted in accordance with the party’s internal processes.”

Having been catapulted to prominence after initiating a round of parliamentary and council recalls soon after the August 2023 general elections, Tshabangu stands accused acting in contravention of the party’s Constitution.

The recalls, which were unsuccessfully challenged in court by then party leader Nelson Chamisa, dismantled what was then the strongest opposition to the ruling Zanu PF party.

Despite having been its founder, Chamisa eventually resigned, leaving the party in the hands of Tshabangu, Ncube, Tendai Biti and Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume. Biti was to be forced out.

Timba now leads another distinct CCC faction reportedly loyal to Chamisa.

This time, Tshabangu stands accused of unilaterally and illegally making appointments to the party’s local government caucus and other committees.

On Thursday last week he appointed Mafume head of the party’s local government caucus and named other councillors as officials in a move dismissed by another faction of CCC represented by its spokesperson Willias Madzimure.

The battle for control of the party between Tshabangu and Ncube has been ongoing since the two reportedly connived to push out other senior members.

Tshabangu is also accused of failing to account for government-allocated political party funds released to the opposition formation.