Confusion rocks CCC over Mnangagwa programme

A wave of confusion and internal conflict rocked the embattled Jameson Timba-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction last week as councillors were left divided over whether to attend an annual local government indaba attended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA) annual indaba, which took place in Harare on Tuesday, attracted councillors from all of Zimbabwe's 92 local authorities. However, the CCC faction found itself at the center of controversy after provincial administrators initially blocked its councillors from attending, citing the event's ties to the ruling Zanu-PF party.

According to sources within the party, some CCC councillors urged their leaders to reverse the decision, explaining that they had already been given allowances by their respective local authorities. Amid mounting pressure from within, CCC acting party administrator Lesley Mukurazhizha rescinded the ban at the last minute, allowing councillors to attend. Despite this, many councillors arrived late for the event, indicating the confusion that ensued.

In a communique dated November 26, 2024, and seen by NewsDay, Mukurazhizha explained the reversal, stating that the indaba fell within the operations of local councils and that past meetings had been attended by the party without issue.

"An appeal by some councillors clarifying the objectives and intent of the programme was received and reviewed and it was noted that such meetings have taken place in the past with our full participation," part of the communique read. "That the intended programme is different from the indoctrination at the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, which your leadership had feared from the onset."

CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi explained that the confusion stemmed from "internal miscommunication" but was later clarified. He clarified the party's position on attending programs organized under the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, stating that such events were barred under a standing resolution. However, the ZILGA indaba did not fall under that category, as it was organized by the Local Government ministry, the Urban Councils Act, and the Constitution.

The event saw councillors from the CCC faction led by Sengezo Tshabangu and Welshman Ncube attending, while those from the Timba-led CCC faction had initially been barred from participation.

In previous instances, the Timba-led faction had made it clear that it would not allow its councillors to attend events they perceived as Zanu-PF programs disguised as national events, such as the recent Zanu-PF indoctrination program at the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.

During the ZILGA indaba, President Mnangagwa took the opportunity to address rampant corruption in local authorities, expressing deep concern over the issue and calling for those involved to face the full force of the law.

"I am deeply concerned by the cases of corruption in the local government space and the entire society," Mnangagwa said. "Those perpetrating such acts must face the full wrath of our country's law. No one, including local authorities, will be spared. Let us root out this menace from our society."

The president's comments come amid ongoing concerns over corruption, with several councillors, including those from the opposition, having been arrested for alleged corrupt practices. Despite this, some councillors have opposed proposed lifestyle audits aimed at curbing corruption within local authorities.