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Tshabangu defends CCC's engagement with Zanu-PF
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Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general, Senator Sengezo Tshabangu, has defended the opposition's decision to engage with the ruling Zanu-PF, arguing that such interactions foster democracy and national development.
Sen Tshabangu, who also serves as the leader of the opposition in Parliament, came under fire from some opposition activists for participating in a parliamentary visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe over the weekend.
During the visit, President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of a vibrant opposition in holding the ruling party accountable. Addressing criticism yesterday, Sen Tshabangu dismissed claims that such engagements amounted to betrayal.
"It is certainly strange reasoning to suggest that an opposition which engages with the ruling party is ‘selling out.' How else should State affairs be conducted? Democracies across the world have healthy interactions between the ruling party and the opposition," Tshabangu said.
He reiterated that the opposition remains committed to the independent demands of its constituency, adding that dialogue with Zanu-PF reflects a dedication to advancing national interests while preserving the CCC's autonomy.
"Our engagements with the ruling party have consistently underscored the need for solutions that address the challenges of the nation while asserting the inconsistency of the current status quo with the objectives of our liberation struggle," he said.
Sen Tshabangu called for a paradigm shift in opposition politics, advocating for maturity and constructive contributions to national development.
"The tragedy is to assume that opposition should oppose for the sake of it. Opposition's task is not just to criticize but to offer alternative, objectively sound, and home-grown solutions made by Zimbabweans, for Zimbabweans, and about Zimbabweans," he said.
Addressing Zanu-PF's recent resolution to propose deferring the 2028 elections and extending President Mnangagwa's term until 2030, Sen Tshabangu clarified that the CCC had not yet deliberated on the matter.
"That issue has not been considered by the party. At present, it is a matter internal to Zanu-PF. Zanu-PF has neither approached us on the issue nor presented it in the appropriate legislative body for deliberations," he said.
However, he acknowledged the importance of debating any proposals to defer elections. "It will be important to understand and debate the reasons for the argument of deferring elections and how that benefits us as a people and country. Deferring elections cannot be an end in itself."
On the issue of the CCC's internal structures, Sen Tshabangu affirmed the party's commitment to holding a congress to elect substantive leaders.
"Congress is an absolute necessity. We are in the process of strengthening the party to prepare and have a congress. It will happen as soon as the conditions permit," he said.
Sen Tshabangu's remarks have sparked debate within Zimbabwe's political landscape, as the opposition grapples with balancing constructive engagement and maintaining its ideological independence.
Sen Tshabangu, who also serves as the leader of the opposition in Parliament, came under fire from some opposition activists for participating in a parliamentary visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe over the weekend.
During the visit, President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of a vibrant opposition in holding the ruling party accountable. Addressing criticism yesterday, Sen Tshabangu dismissed claims that such engagements amounted to betrayal.
"It is certainly strange reasoning to suggest that an opposition which engages with the ruling party is ‘selling out.' How else should State affairs be conducted? Democracies across the world have healthy interactions between the ruling party and the opposition," Tshabangu said.
He reiterated that the opposition remains committed to the independent demands of its constituency, adding that dialogue with Zanu-PF reflects a dedication to advancing national interests while preserving the CCC's autonomy.
"Our engagements with the ruling party have consistently underscored the need for solutions that address the challenges of the nation while asserting the inconsistency of the current status quo with the objectives of our liberation struggle," he said.
Sen Tshabangu called for a paradigm shift in opposition politics, advocating for maturity and constructive contributions to national development.
Addressing Zanu-PF's recent resolution to propose deferring the 2028 elections and extending President Mnangagwa's term until 2030, Sen Tshabangu clarified that the CCC had not yet deliberated on the matter.
"That issue has not been considered by the party. At present, it is a matter internal to Zanu-PF. Zanu-PF has neither approached us on the issue nor presented it in the appropriate legislative body for deliberations," he said.
However, he acknowledged the importance of debating any proposals to defer elections. "It will be important to understand and debate the reasons for the argument of deferring elections and how that benefits us as a people and country. Deferring elections cannot be an end in itself."
On the issue of the CCC's internal structures, Sen Tshabangu affirmed the party's commitment to holding a congress to elect substantive leaders.
"Congress is an absolute necessity. We are in the process of strengthening the party to prepare and have a congress. It will happen as soon as the conditions permit," he said.
Sen Tshabangu's remarks have sparked debate within Zimbabwe's political landscape, as the opposition grapples with balancing constructive engagement and maintaining its ideological independence.
Source - the herald
