Timba declares CCC comeback as factions prepare for 2025

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction leader Jameson Timba has vowed a powerful resurgence for the opposition party in 2025, promising the return of its "authentic leaders" to mount a strong challenge against Zanu-PF.

Timba leads a CCC faction aligned with former party leader Nelson Chamisa, who stepped down in January 2024, citing infiltration by Zanu-PF. Chamisa's departure followed internal strife sparked by self-appointed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu, who orchestrated the recall of elected CCC legislators and councillors.

Chamisa's resignation left the party fragmented, with Timba, Welshman Ncube, and Tshabangu leading separate factions. Despite the divisions, Timba expressed confidence in the opposition's ability to rebuild and reclaim its position as Zimbabwe's primary opposition movement.

"In 2025, the true opposition led by its true leaders will emerge stronger, while the regime's proxies within our ranks will vanish into political irrelevance," Timba told NewsDay Weekender.

Timba also criticized Zanu-PF's alleged attempts to suppress opposition voices, including arrests of CCC members and accusations of infiltration. He highlighted the resilience of CCC activists despite arrests, abductions, and allegations of State-sponsored intimidation.

"It is folly for anyone to think they can destroy the opposition in Zimbabwe without literally exterminating the majority of this country's inhabitants," Timba said. "The opposition lives in the hearts and minds of the people—it embodies their aspirations for freedom, prosperity, and happiness."

Timba himself was arrested in June 2024 alongside over 70 party members for allegedly holding an unlawful political gathering. While initially charged with disorderly conduct, most activists, including Timba, were later acquitted of the charges.

While Timba emphasized the party's resilience, another faction leader, Ncube, offered a contrasting view, describing 2024 as a lost year for the opposition. Speaking to The Standard, Ncube lamented the lack of meaningful progress in challenging Zanu-PF's governance.

The CCC faces an uphill battle to unify its factions and strengthen its position ahead of the 2025 elections. Despite setbacks, Timba remains optimistic about the party's future, asserting that the opposition's resilience will ultimately prevail over efforts to suppress it.

As Zimbabwe approaches another critical election year, the CCC's ability to consolidate its leadership and present a united front will likely determine its impact in countering Zanu-PF's dominance.