Tshabangu's actions disrupted the parliamentary balance of power

Former Bulawayo South MP Nicola Watson has accused Zanu-PF of orchestrating Sengezo Tshabangu's controversial recalls of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members to serve its political agenda, including plans to amend the constitution to extend presidential term limits under its Vision 2030 strategy.

Speaking at the Bulawayo Media Centre on Wednesday evening, Watson claimed Tshabangu's actions disrupted the parliamentary balance of power, which had initially denied Zanu-PF a two-thirds majority following the 2023 elections.

"Tshabangu's legitimacy came from Zanu-PF's support. The CCC had effectively blocked a two-thirds majority, but these recalls shifted the dynamics in Zanu-PF's favour, enabling them to push their agenda," Watson said.

After declaring himself the CCC interim secretary-general, Tshabangu orchestrated recalls of elected CCC MPs, councillors, and senators. This prompted by-elections that allowed Zanu-PF to regain strategic seats, reinforcing its parliamentary dominance.

Watson described Tshabangu as a tool in a broader strategy to weaken the opposition.

"This was a well-calculated move by Zanu-PF to destabilise CCC. Nelson Chamisa distanced himself from the party when it became clear it had been infiltrated," she explained, further criticising the judiciary for failing to address Tshabangu's legitimacy.

"To this day, the courts have not tested Tshabangu's legal standing. The case remains unresolved, leaving the opposition in disarray," Watson said.

She pointed to a recent publicised farm visit where Tshabangu appeared alongside President Emmerson Mnangagwa as evidence of collusion.

"The farm visit was the final proof of this charade. It was designed to project a false narrative of opposition cooperation with Zanu-PF," Watson alleged.

Beyond the recalls, Watson criticised both the ruling party and opposition for failing to deliver tangible results for Zimbabweans.

"Government is not a business; it's about serving the people. Right now, neither Zanu-PF nor the opposition is addressing the needs of citizens," she said.

Watson questioned the government's touted infrastructure projects, such as the Gwayi-Shangani Dam and Hwange Power Station expansions, arguing they came at an enormous cost.

"Yes, Gwayi-Shangani has made some progress, but what are the long-term costs? Hwange 7 and 8 were funded by huge Chinese loans, and we don't know the terms or the repayment status. This debt will burden future generations," she said.

Watson also highlighted ongoing electricity issues, pointing to ZESA's inefficiencies and persistent power outages.

"Despite these projects, we still endure 11 to 18-hour power cuts. The energy crisis remains unresolved," she noted.

In light of CCC's fragmentation, Watson introduced a potential new political movement, the Democratic Alternative, as a platform to restore democracy in Zimbabwe.

"CCC has been destroyed by Tshabangu's actions. The Democratic Alternative is in its early stages, but it offers hope for true democracy, not autocracy," she said.

Watson ended by reaffirming her commitment to democratic principles, urging Zimbabweans to seek a political future rooted in accountability and service.

"This is not about aligning with any party. It's about creating a platform for real democracy," she concluded.