Mafume’s mayoral victory unearths deep divisions within CCC

HARARE – The political landscape at Town House in Harare has taken an unexpected turn as Jacob Mafume reclaimed his position as the city’s mayor last week, marking the third change in just four months.

However, this triumph has brought to light the simmering internal conflicts within the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), revealing a faction dissatisfied with the leadership of Nelson Chamisa.

Mafume’s victory, not endorsed by the entire CCC, has sparked controversy, with the party releasing a statement expressing concern over the presence of police officers and hired bouncers in the council chambers during the election process.

The statement, signed by spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi, raised eyebrows as it failed to congratulate Mafume on his win.

The election outcome, influenced by a faction critical of Chamisa’s leadership style, alleged dictatorship, and disregard for constitutionalism, was contested by Chamisa‘s camp, which favored Elvis Ruzani for the mayoral position.

The disagreement over the preferred candidate intensified the infighting within the party.

“While the party notes the election of Harare Mayor, it is disturbed by the presence of ZRP officers at the council chambers. This is unusual as council normally relies on their municipal police during the conduction of internal council business,” read the now-deleted statement.

It also highlighted the harassment and intimidation of councillors and spectators by hired individuals within the council chambers.

In response to inquiries on social media, CCC’s national deputy spokesperson, Gift Siziba, admitted that Mafume was not the party’s preferred candidate, revealing that internal processes had initially selected Councillor Ruzani to replace Lovejoy Chitengu.

The CCC has been grappling with internal strife, marked by the recall of councillors and legislators by a self-appointed interim secretary-general.

The party’s internal conflicts escalated after the recall of Ian Makone in September 2023, who was replaced by Lovejoy Chitengu.

However, Chitengu’s tenure was short-lived as he, too, faced recall after officiating at a Christmas lights ceremony and visiting cholera-stricken homes.

Elvis Ruzani, initially proposed as Chitengu’s replacement, faced opposition from Mafume, resulting in Mafume securing 22 votes against Ruzani’s 15.

Responding to the CCC‘s allegations, Mafume took to social media to share a video of councillors celebrating his election, countering claims of coercion.

He questioned the authenticity of the accusations made by the party.

As the CCC grapples with internal divisions, observers await further developments and official reports from the councillors and Harare Taskforce leadership to guide the party’s resolution on the matter.

The outcome of this infighting within CCC may have broader implications for the party’s unity and stability as it moves into the new year.