Sengezo Tshabangu warned

The Welshman Ncube-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) yesterday vehemently rejected the actions of self-proclaimed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu, warning him that his authority within the party is temporary and his decisions are not in line with the party's principles.

Tshabangu has been at the center of an ongoing leadership dispute within the opposition faction, with his controversial moves, including the recall of CCC legislators, sparking tension among party leaders. His claims of authority have been widely disputed, and allegations of financial influence in his appointments have further fueled the controversy.

It has emerged that Tshabangu is reportedly orchestrating the recall of elected CCC officials, accusing them of no longer being members of the party. This has raised eyebrows within the party, especially after former party leader Nelson Chamisa abandoned the CCC, citing concerns of infiltration by Zanu-PF.

Tshabangu's latest reshuffle saw the removal of key party figures, including Chikanga legislator Lynette Karenyi-Kore, who was ousted as Leader of the House in the National Assembly, with Maureen Kademaunga from Sunningdale taking over. Edwin Mushoriwa, the former chief whip, was also dismissed in the reshuffle.

Willas Madzimure, the CCC faction spokesperson, dismissed Tshabangu's reshuffle as an unauthorized and unnecessary decision, emphasizing that it did not reflect the party's official stance. "It is not necessary, but because someone wants to flex their muscles, they make those unilateral decisions. We did not get any reason why those people were demoted," Madzimure stated. "There are other serious and pressing issues that we should be focusing on, not this child's play."

Madzimure also revealed troubling details about the internal workings of the party, claiming that some individuals are paying large sums of money in exchange for positions within the party and Parliament. "There is money at play. Money is exchanging hands in a very serious manner. I am talking about large sums of money here," Madzimure said. "It is not by merit that they are taking those positions. Some people are paying to assume those positions."

The CCC spokesperson expressed his dissatisfaction with the way Tshabangu has been handling the party's internal affairs, noting that the imposition of personal decisions undermines the collective efforts of the party members who have worked hard to earn their positions. "It is disheartening for people who worked hard to be in Parliament only to be recalled," Madzimure added. "Yes, some might have been selected through the controversial bereka mwana process, but they worked hard to win the votes. They used their resources. In the end, that power will be gone no matter who is celebrating that abuse of power."

The CCC faction is still deliberating on how to address Tshabangu's actions, with a clear indication that no further recalls will take place. "No more recalls are going to take place, even the Speaker (Jacob) Mudenda knows that," Madzimure stated. "But is it humane to keep your colleague on edge in Parliament? Every time there is a letter read in Parliament, you will be thinking, it might be me who is being targeted this time."

Tshabangu's leadership style has sparked a divide within the party, particularly over control of funds allocated under the Political Parties Finance Act. However, when approached by NewsDay for comment on the matter, Tshabangu referred the inquiry to his spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, who was unavailable for comment.

As tensions continue to rise within the party, the future direction of the CCC remains uncertain, with party leaders pledging to address the internal power struggles that threaten to destabilize the opposition.