News / National
Zimbabwe opposition power struggles a gift to Zanu-PF
17 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwe's opposition movement is increasingly being torn apart by internal power struggles and factionalism, raising fears it could soon collapse altogether, analysts warn.
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), once the country's most promising opposition force, is now embroiled in vicious infighting over political positions and perks, undermining its ability to mount a serious challenge to Zanu-PF's decades-long rule.
According to political observers, the jostling within opposition ranks is no longer about ideology or policy, but about control of lucrative parliamentary and council seats that come with generous benefits - including luxury vehicles, allowances, and access to land and housing schemes.
"Opposition leaders have shifted focus from public service to political spoils," said Vivid Gwede, a Harare-based political analyst. "The fights are mainly over who controls spaces of power because of the benefits attached."
The collapse of the CCC's internal structure accelerated after its founding leader Nelson Chamisa resigned in 2023, citing sabotage and infiltration by Zanu-PF-aligned forces. His departure followed the contested August 2023 elections, where Chamisa narrowly lost to President Emmerson Mnangagwa amid widespread reports of voter intimidation and rigging.
Soon after, self-styled CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu recalled dozens of CCC MPs and councillors, claiming he was purging impostors. This opened the door for Zanu-PF to win several by-elections, securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
Tshabangu, who is accused of hijacking the party, reportedly led some of his loyal MPs to Mnangagwa's farm, pledging support for controversial proposals to extend the president's term beyond 2028.
Analysts believe the chaos is enabling Zanu-PF to consolidate power with minimal resistance.
"Some CCC factions have been trampling over each other to please the regime in exchange for state rewards," Gwede added.
Zanu-PF has capitalised on the opposition's implosion, with its information director, Farai Marapira, describing the CCC as a "dinosaur" that has failed to adapt to modern political realities.
"Come 2028, we expect an opposition that exudes maturity and reflects the will of the people," Marapira said.
Meanwhile, ordinary Zimbabweans - many of whom endured violence and repression for supporting the opposition in the 2000s - feel betrayed by the CCC's collapse into self-interest.
"This is not what we struggled for," said a Bulawayo resident who once campaigned for the opposition. "They are now just fighting for positions and perks."
The CCC's disintegration has prompted fears the opposition space could be left vacant. Political scientist Eldred Masunungure warned the party was headed for "total oblivion."
"The hopelessly conflict-ridden CCC may die," he said. "But another formation will emerge, dictated by Zimbabwe's current political necessities. Many opposition-oriented citizens are now organisationally homeless."
He urged the emergence of a new movement - not led by a "megalomaniac" - that could rally grassroots support and challenge Zanu-PF's dominance.
Since independence in 1980, Zanu-PF has maintained an iron grip on Zimbabwe's political landscape. With a parliamentary supermajority and divided opposition, it is now reportedly toying with the idea of amending the Constitution to allow Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.
Chamisa, who has not launched a new party since leaving CCC, has warned that the opposition risks becoming a cog in Zanu-PF's patronage system if it loses sight of its reformist mission.
"I cannot continue in a space that has been contaminated and hijacked by Zanu-PF interests," he said in his resignation letter.
For analysts, rebuilding a credible opposition movement will require more than charisma. It demands internal discipline, grassroots mobilisation, and a bold, alternative vision for Zimbabwe.
"The big question ahead of 2028," said Gwede, "is whether a genuine democratic opposition can rise again - one committed to transformation, not just survival."
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), once the country's most promising opposition force, is now embroiled in vicious infighting over political positions and perks, undermining its ability to mount a serious challenge to Zanu-PF's decades-long rule.
According to political observers, the jostling within opposition ranks is no longer about ideology or policy, but about control of lucrative parliamentary and council seats that come with generous benefits - including luxury vehicles, allowances, and access to land and housing schemes.
"Opposition leaders have shifted focus from public service to political spoils," said Vivid Gwede, a Harare-based political analyst. "The fights are mainly over who controls spaces of power because of the benefits attached."
The collapse of the CCC's internal structure accelerated after its founding leader Nelson Chamisa resigned in 2023, citing sabotage and infiltration by Zanu-PF-aligned forces. His departure followed the contested August 2023 elections, where Chamisa narrowly lost to President Emmerson Mnangagwa amid widespread reports of voter intimidation and rigging.
Soon after, self-styled CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu recalled dozens of CCC MPs and councillors, claiming he was purging impostors. This opened the door for Zanu-PF to win several by-elections, securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
Tshabangu, who is accused of hijacking the party, reportedly led some of his loyal MPs to Mnangagwa's farm, pledging support for controversial proposals to extend the president's term beyond 2028.
Analysts believe the chaos is enabling Zanu-PF to consolidate power with minimal resistance.
"Some CCC factions have been trampling over each other to please the regime in exchange for state rewards," Gwede added.
Zanu-PF has capitalised on the opposition's implosion, with its information director, Farai Marapira, describing the CCC as a "dinosaur" that has failed to adapt to modern political realities.
"Come 2028, we expect an opposition that exudes maturity and reflects the will of the people," Marapira said.
Meanwhile, ordinary Zimbabweans - many of whom endured violence and repression for supporting the opposition in the 2000s - feel betrayed by the CCC's collapse into self-interest.
"This is not what we struggled for," said a Bulawayo resident who once campaigned for the opposition. "They are now just fighting for positions and perks."
The CCC's disintegration has prompted fears the opposition space could be left vacant. Political scientist Eldred Masunungure warned the party was headed for "total oblivion."
"The hopelessly conflict-ridden CCC may die," he said. "But another formation will emerge, dictated by Zimbabwe's current political necessities. Many opposition-oriented citizens are now organisationally homeless."
He urged the emergence of a new movement - not led by a "megalomaniac" - that could rally grassroots support and challenge Zanu-PF's dominance.
Since independence in 1980, Zanu-PF has maintained an iron grip on Zimbabwe's political landscape. With a parliamentary supermajority and divided opposition, it is now reportedly toying with the idea of amending the Constitution to allow Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.
Chamisa, who has not launched a new party since leaving CCC, has warned that the opposition risks becoming a cog in Zanu-PF's patronage system if it loses sight of its reformist mission.
"I cannot continue in a space that has been contaminated and hijacked by Zanu-PF interests," he said in his resignation letter.
For analysts, rebuilding a credible opposition movement will require more than charisma. It demands internal discipline, grassroots mobilisation, and a bold, alternative vision for Zimbabwe.
"The big question ahead of 2028," said Gwede, "is whether a genuine democratic opposition can rise again - one committed to transformation, not just survival."
Source - the standard
