CCC in further crisis as tensions rise over Chamisa’s departure

HARARE – The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is grappling with internal turmoil and accusations of capture, as some of Sengezo Tshabangu‘s supporters turn against him following Nelson Chamisa‘s unexpected departure from the opposition party.

In response to Chamisa’s resignation statement last Thursday, Tshabangu asserted that power and authority would collectively reside in the national leadership elected at the MDC Alliance Gweru congress in 2019.

However, this stance has ignited a fierce backlash from within the CCC, with accusations of being captured and veering away from democratic principles.

CCC Steering Committee Chairperson Dingilizwe Tshuma dismissed Tshabangu’s statement, declaring it null and void.

Tshuma pointed out that the 2019 structure was invalidated by the court rulings that initially favored Thokozani Khupe and later Douglas Mwonzora.

“He has been captured. Where was this collective leadership all along when recalls started? Why is it emerging now?

“In any event, they have made statements distancing themselves from the SG. They are correct because they did not appoint him,” Tshuma remarked, expressing the committee’s disapproval of Tshabangu’s actions.

Tensions within the CCC escalated further as Tshabangu’s spokesperson, Khaliphani Phungeni, lamented what he called the death of democracy in Zimbabwe.

Phungeni was quoted by NewsDay emphasizing the need for negotiation and dialogue, urging a more measured approach to navigate the challenges facing the party.

“It is a bad day for democracy, one that could have been avoided. We needed an adult in the room; unfortunately, both parties had to take responsibility for the call up because at some stage they talked about negotiations,” Phungeni stated.

“The SG is saying they are trying to stabilize the party. It’s not all lost; they are trying to negotiate with the change champion-in-chief, and we are hopeful that there is still room for negotiations.”

As the CCC grapples with internal divisions, the party’s future remains uncertain, with the need for dialogue and resolution becoming increasingly apparent to salvage the opposition’s unity in Zimbabwe.