Tshabangu in major somersault

Sengezo Tshabangu, the embattled secretary of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has made a bold attempt to salvage his political career, denying allegations that he was ever a member of the faction led by Welshman Ncube. Tshabangu's statement comes after his dismissal from the party last week following a misconduct charge during a disciplinary hearing convened by Ncube's CCC faction.

The hearing stemmed from Tshabangu's unilateral changes to the party's leadership in Parliament, a move that triggered internal conflict within the opposition group. Despite attending the disciplinary hearing, Tshabangu claims he did so under protest, alleging that the arbitrator was an ally of Ncube. The dispute has further fueled tensions within CCC, which is split into two factions led by Ncube and Jameson Timba.

Tshabangu, now facing possible recall from Parliament, has publicly referred to the two factions as CCC Blue (aligned with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa) and CCC Green (aligned with Ncube). He asserts that his position as a Senator was not tied to Ncube's faction, claiming that the terms of office for CCC's leadership expired on May 27, 2024, according to the party's constitution, leaving the party without a sitting president.

Tshabangu's spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlio, has issued a statement clarifying that Tshabangu has never been a member of CCC Green or affiliated with any of its structures. According to Mlio, Tshabangu was neither nominated nor deployed as a Senator by Ncube's faction. Furthermore, Mlio claims that Tshabangu has never attended any meetings or been involved in any party structures within CCC Green.

"Senator Tshabangu is not and has never been a member of CCC Green, and as the record will show, he was not nominated or deployed as a Senator by CCC Green or by any of its officials, not least by the embattled Ncube," Mlio said. "It is a matter of public record, which is very easy to confirm or verify."

Mlio further accused Ncube of seeking to take control of CCC's financial resources under the Political Parties (Finance) Act. He claims that Ncube's faction, primarily composed of former MDC Green members, is driven by a desire to gain control over the party's finances, a situation that has allegedly sparked legal disputes and media attention since October 2024.

"Ncube's faction has been primarily focused on grabbing party finances by any means available," Mlio alleged, accusing Ncube and his supporters of using the courts as a means to assert their control. "Ncube and his CCC Green have never cited Senator Tshabangu as belonging to their party or as their member."

The dispute between Ncube and Tshabangu has now extended to the courts, with Ncube's faction reportedly seeking to recall Tshabangu as a Senator from Parliament. Tshabangu's move to seize control of CCC has resulted in the recall of several CCC legislators, triggering costly by-elections.

Despite claims that he was promised millions of dollars under the Political Parties (Finance) Act for taking control of the CCC, Tshabangu has yet to receive any funds. The government has stated that the disbursement of party funds will be delayed until the factions resolve their leadership dispute.

As the conflict within CCC intensifies, Tshabangu's future in the party remains uncertain. His bid to distance himself from Ncube's faction could be an attempt to maintain his political relevance, but the ongoing leadership struggle and legal challenges may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle.