Tshabangu says Mnangagwa, Chiwenga showed him love in 'my darkest hour'

Sengezo Tshabangu, Secretary General of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), recently revealed the unwavering support he received from both government leaders and Parliament during a serious illness he faced while representing Zimbabwe at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Geneva.

Tshabangu, who fell gravely ill shortly after arriving in Geneva on October 11, 2024, was hospitalized in intensive care for a week. Reflecting on his health ordeal, he expressed deep gratitude for the personal phone calls he received from both Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who assured him of their support during his hospitalization.

"I want to extend my gratitude to this Parliament of Zimbabwe, led by Adv. Jacob Mudenda, deputized by our President Hon. Chinomona, and also to yourself. I also extend the same gratitude to the Head of State and his Deputy. I will chronicle my gratitude in that order," Tshabangu told Parliament on Wednesday.

Tshabangu described how his sudden illness in Geneva led to immediate medical intervention. "On 10th October 2024, I went to Geneva representing this Parliament, representing the people of Zimbabwe. On arrival in Geneva on 11th October 2024, I fell ill. I was transferred to a bigger hospital and placed in intensive care for a week," Tshabangu recounted.

He continued, "The most important thing that happened in that hospital was a call from the Deputy President of this country, Mr. Chiwenga, who called me lying in that hospital and assured me that this Government would do everything they could to bring me back home. The following day, the Head of State called me and assured me that all shall be well."

Tshabangu, who leads the opposition in Parliament, was keen to highlight that his mission in Geneva was to represent all Zimbabweans, not just the opposition. He praised the government for offering equal care and attention, regardless of political affiliation. "I am a member and the leader of the opposition in Parliament, but I went out representing the country. The Head of State and his Deputy showed that as a Zimbabwean, I deserve the same care as anyone else, whether you are from ZANU-PF or CCC, but we are Zimbabweans," he said.

The CCC Secretary General also acknowledged the financial and moral support from both the government and Parliament, noting, "My bills were paid on time, I was taken care of by this Government and Parliament, and I am so grateful. It could have been worse, Mr. President, imagine staying in a foreign-developed hospital in intensive care for a week-my situation was dire."

In addition to the physical support he received, Tshabangu also thanked political colleagues across the divide for their sympathy during his recovery, highlighting the unity that transcended political differences.

Despite his recovery, Tshabangu remains embroiled in the ongoing political struggles within the CCC. His involvement in mass recalls of opposition figures, which he claimed were placed in positions contrary to the will of the people, has led to accusations of enabling ZANU-PF's influence in local councils and Parliament. These actions contributed to CCC leader Nelson Chamisa's resignation following a loss of control over the party.

Tshabangu's faction of the CCC is currently in a bitter dispute with other factions, including those led by Jameson Timba and Welshman Ncube, over the US$22 million allocated to the opposition through the Political Parties (Finance) Act. This internal strife has further complicated the party's political landscape, resulting in salary arrears for CCC employees.

As Tshabangu continues to navigate his health recovery, the political turbulence within the opposition party shows no sign of abating, leaving the future of the CCC in a state of uncertainty.