BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF CCC: FACTIONS LOCK HORNS IN LEADERSHIP TUSSLE

In an unfolding drama that has gripped the political landscape, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, finds itself embroiled in a fierce internal battle over its leadership, signaling a crisis that threatens its very existence. As the party grapples with the void left by its charismatic leader, Nelson Chamisa, two rival factions have emerged, each claiming the legitimate right to steer the ship through turbulent waters.

At the heart of this saga is a dramatic announcement by a faction led by the self-appointed Secretary-General, Sengezo Tshabangu. This group has thrown its weight behind Welshman Ncube, declaring him the interim rotational leader of CCC. This move, supported by prominent figures such as Tendai Biti and Lynette Karenyi-Kore, has ignited controversy and set the stage for an unprecedented power struggle within the opposition ranks.

Contrary to Tshabangu’s faction, a rival camp, loyal to the party’s former torchbearer, Nelson Chamisa, has voiced strong opposition to the leadership upheaval. This group, in defiance of the claims made by Ncube and his allies, insists that James Timba, identified as Jameson Zvidzai Timba, holds the reins of the party during this critical interregnum. Promise Mkhwananzi, the CCC spokesperson, in a bid to clarify the party’s stance, addressed a press briefing where he underscored the Citizens National Assembly (CNA)’s unwavering support for Timba.

Mkhwananzi emphatically dismissed the assertions by Ncube’s faction, referring to them as “delusional claims.” He reiterated the CNA’s resolution from January 31, which unequivocally supports Timba’s leadership and rejects any notion of a supreme court nullified MDC 2019 leadership structure taking charge. “For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Jameson Zvidzai Timba is in charge of all party affairs through the administrative bureau,” Mkhwananzi declared, firmly setting the record straight.

The CCC spokesperson went on to clarify that the party does not recognize any position of acting president or have a standing committee structure, signaling a clear departure from traditional party frameworks. In a bold move to consolidate Timba’s leadership, the CNA ratified the expansion of the Administrative bureau. This strategic expansion includes the heads of several key bureaus, highlighting the party’s commitment to a broad-based and inclusive approach to governance.

The appointments announced by the party leader, aimed at reinforcing the administrative bureau, include Honourable Agency Gumbo as Head of Legal & Parliamentary Affairs Bureau, Honourable Ropafadzo Makumire at the helm of the Local Government Bureau, Leslie Mukurazhizha as the Head of Finance and Fundraising Bureau, and Mr. Mudzingwa leading the People With Disabilities Bureau. These appointments signal a clear intent to strengthen the party’s operational capabilities and address the diverse needs of its constituency.

As the CCC sails through these stormy waters, the leadership tussle presents a crucial test of its resilience and unity. With each faction pulling in different directions, the party’s ability to navigate through this crisis and emerge stronger will be closely watched by friends and foes alike. The battle for the soul of CCC not only shapes the future trajectory of the party but also sets the stage for a broader political narrative in Zimbabwe, where the quest for change remains a pressing and unresolved quest.