5 CCC MPs revolt against Tshabangu

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmakers from Matabeleland South have rejected their party leadership's decision to support proposed constitutional amendments extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure.

The CCC secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu, convened a caucus meeting last week and reportedly resolved to back the amendments, which were gazetted on Monday, paving the way for 90-day public consultations.

Under the proposed changes, the president's tenure, along with that of lawmakers, would be extended by two additional years when it constitutionally expires in 2028. The bill also proposes replacing direct presidential elections with a parliamentary vote, dissolving the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), and restructuring several independent commissions.

Critics, including opposition figures, human rights groups, and civil society organizations, have argued that a referendum is necessary for such sweeping amendments to pass constitutional muster. Zanu-PF and government officials, however, maintain that a referendum is not required.

In contrast to Tshabangu's reported position, Matabeleland South CCC lawmakers – Solani Moyo, Madalaboy Ndebele, Desire Nkala, Sithabisiwe Moyo, and Nomathemba Ndlovu – have publicly rejected the claim that they support the amendments.

"We did not support any amendment to the constitution that has not been properly introduced and gazetted," said CCC Matabeleland South chairperson Solani Moyo.

"We cannot and will not endorse changes to the 2013 constitution that were adopted by the people. We defend the people's rights and vote. Any suggestion otherwise is false. We will not recognise statements that claim our endorsement when no such resolution was adopted in our presence," Moyo added.

He emphasized that their "first duty is to the people who sent us, not to self-appointed factional leaders who bring confusion."

Tshabangu, who seized control of the CCC from its founding president Nelson Chamisa, has faced criticism for recalling party lawmakers, triggering costly by-elections that allowed Zanu-PF to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority. Critics have also accused him of acting as a Zanu-PF proxy, a charge he denies.

The division highlights ongoing fragmentation within the CCC and underscores the contested nature of the proposed constitutional amendments, which continue to draw scrutiny from opposition parties, civil society, and citizens across Zimbabwe.