CCC plans Congress amid legal challenges

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction led by the interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has announced plans to hold a congress, with the date to be confirmed soon. Tshabangu's right-hand man, political activist Mbuso Siso, stated that while preparations are underway, the delay in announcing the congress dates was caused by ongoing court cases between Tshabangu and acting CCC leader Welshman Ncube.

Siso revealed that the faction has been conducting meetings across the country, with the latest taking place in Masvingo over the weekend. He emphasized that the faction is focused on grassroots support and aims to bring in fresh leadership to revitalize the party.

"We are moving throughout the country with the latest meeting having been held in Masvingo over the weekend. We want to test our strength from the grassroots. We need fresh minds to lead the party. Dates for the congress will be announced after dealing with court cases," Siso said.

The faction expressed its disagreement with Ncube's leadership, claiming that he had lost support from the people. Siso emphasized that the formation of the MDC in Matabeleland should result in leadership from the region, and they are determined to select a leader who reflects this.

"MDC was formed in Matabeleland and we cannot fail to come up with a proper leader from the region. We need to come together and select the leadership," Siso said. "Welshman Ncube is using 2019 structures which were nullified by the court, and the CCC led by Tshabangu was formed in 2022. These are two different entities."

As they prepare for their congress, Siso also called for a global political agreement, similar to the one that led to the government of national unity, to resolve differences between political parties before the elections. He stressed the importance of electoral reforms and the need for dialogue to create a stable political environment.

"We need a global political agreement to discuss electoral reforms. The agreement will be similar to the one that was there and ended up resulting in a government of national unity," Siso stated.

The faction's spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, added that CCC's restructuring process has already begun. He noted that the opposition's evident weaknesses are being addressed, but emphasized that it is too early to comment on specific contests for leadership at the congress.

"The evident weaknesses of the opposition are there and they are being resolved. It is premature to comment on matters of contests at congress. The focus is on the preparations for the congress," Mlilo said.

The faction remains committed to its path, and despite the legal hurdles, it is moving forward with its congress plans.