Tshabangu denies Zanu PF links amid CCC crisis

HARARE – Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has vehemently denied accusations of collaborating with the ruling Zanu PF party to destabilise the opposition outfit.

Tshabangu, who recently recalled 14 CCC legislators and over 17 CCC councillors, has faced criticism, with some labeling him a Zanu PF member.

In a candid interview with Alpha Media Holdings chairman Trevor Ncube on “In Conversation with Trevor,” Tshabangu addressed the allegations, asserting his legitimacy as a CCC member.

He emphasized the party’s origin as an offshoot of the MDC Alliance and explained the process of his election, citing “strategic ambiguity.”

“CCC is an offshoot of the MDC Alliance; we never came from heaven, we were born by MDC-A. The same process that really appointed President Nelson Chamisa to be the presidential candidate of the CCC is the same process in which I was elected (that is), the strategic ambiguity,” Tshabangu stated.

**FILE:** Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa addressing a CCC Campaign Rally in Kwekwe on Tuesday 18th July 2023.

Defending his decision to recall CCC legislators and councillors, Tshabangu claimed it was a move to rectify issues within the party that contributed to its loss in the August 2023 general elections.

“We lost the elections because of the strategic ambiguity. We did not fill and train the polling agents. We had the money to do that, but somehow the criminals around President (Chamisa) squandered the money,” he explained.

Highlighting the urgency of addressing internal challenges, Tshabangu emphasized the need to “put our house in order” before the 2028 elections.

He urged the party to engage in discussions to build a cohesive force and identify gaps for improvement.

“Let us pick ourselves and look at the election, how did we lose the elections… so that by the time we get to 2028, we have got an oiled machine which is an alternative,” Tshabangu expressed.

The CCC was established last year by Nelson Chamisa after Douglas Mwonzora claimed control of the MDC Alliance, including its symbols and emblems.

The recent internal turmoil within the CCC raises questions about the party’s unity and stability as it navigates the complex political landscape in Zimbabwe.