News / National
Sengezo Tshabangu fights for political survival
25 Feb 2025 at 07:02hrs | Views
Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-appointed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary-general, is struggling to maintain his political relevance following his expulsion from the opposition party last week due to misconduct.
Tshabangu was dismissed after facing a disciplinary hearing for unilaterally making changes to CCC parliamentary portfolio holders without authorization from the party president or any official party organ.
Despite attending the disciplinary hearing, Tshabangu is contesting his expulsion, arguing that he was never a member of the CCC faction led by Welshman Ncube.
Before his expulsion, Tshabangu wielded significant influence over CCC affairs after the August 2023 elections. He was responsible for recalling dozens of lawmakers, but his preferred replacements struggled to win by-elections, resulting in several constituencies being won by Zanu-PF.
Zanu-PF capitalized on the opportunity, securing a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, a crucial step in its efforts to amend the Constitution. This shift in power dynamics also contributed to CCC founder Nelson Chamisa's decision to leave the party, citing infiltration concerns.
The recalls significantly weakened opposition representation in Parliament, which plays a critical role in holding the government accountable and providing alternative policies for the electorate.
Tshabangu has been accused of turning CCC into a Zanu-PF-aligned entity, eroding its ability to challenge the ruling party effectively. The party now finds itself divided, with some lawmakers aligning themselves with interim leader Welshman Ncube.
Tshabangu's fortunes took a sharp turn just a month after he led CCC lawmakers on a controversial visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's farm in Kwekwe. He hailed the visit as crucial for "nation-building and consensus," while Zanu-PF extended a warm reception, treating him as an ally.
During the visit, Tshabangu appeared to endorse Mnangagwa's contested ED2030 agenda, stating: "If our presence here improves your stay in power and that makes the people of Zimbabwe happy, then let it be."
This statement raised suspicions about his true political affiliations, and although he later attempted to retract his remarks, the damage was already done.
Observers argue that Tshabangu's current predicament was inevitable, as Zanu-PF has a history of using and discarding opposition figures once their utility has expired. With the ruling party now firmly in control of Parliament, Tshabangu may find himself sidelined from the political arena.
Having played a controversial role in reshaping the opposition, Tshabangu must now navigate the consequences of his actions.
Tshabangu was dismissed after facing a disciplinary hearing for unilaterally making changes to CCC parliamentary portfolio holders without authorization from the party president or any official party organ.
Despite attending the disciplinary hearing, Tshabangu is contesting his expulsion, arguing that he was never a member of the CCC faction led by Welshman Ncube.
Before his expulsion, Tshabangu wielded significant influence over CCC affairs after the August 2023 elections. He was responsible for recalling dozens of lawmakers, but his preferred replacements struggled to win by-elections, resulting in several constituencies being won by Zanu-PF.
Zanu-PF capitalized on the opportunity, securing a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, a crucial step in its efforts to amend the Constitution. This shift in power dynamics also contributed to CCC founder Nelson Chamisa's decision to leave the party, citing infiltration concerns.
The recalls significantly weakened opposition representation in Parliament, which plays a critical role in holding the government accountable and providing alternative policies for the electorate.
Tshabangu's fortunes took a sharp turn just a month after he led CCC lawmakers on a controversial visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's farm in Kwekwe. He hailed the visit as crucial for "nation-building and consensus," while Zanu-PF extended a warm reception, treating him as an ally.
During the visit, Tshabangu appeared to endorse Mnangagwa's contested ED2030 agenda, stating: "If our presence here improves your stay in power and that makes the people of Zimbabwe happy, then let it be."
This statement raised suspicions about his true political affiliations, and although he later attempted to retract his remarks, the damage was already done.
Observers argue that Tshabangu's current predicament was inevitable, as Zanu-PF has a history of using and discarding opposition figures once their utility has expired. With the ruling party now firmly in control of Parliament, Tshabangu may find himself sidelined from the political arena.
Having played a controversial role in reshaping the opposition, Tshabangu must now navigate the consequences of his actions.
Source - newsday
