Political Reporter
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led Mutare City Council is currently embroiled in an internal crisis marked by growing discord among its councillors..
This turmoil has culminated in a significant disruption at the Mutare City Council where half of the elected councillors recently boycotted the latest full council meeting, signalling a deepening fracture within that party.
A source who spoke to this publication said that this crisis had its roots in the contentious candidate selection process led by Nelson Chamisa early this year.
The same source argued that Chamisa's approach during the August 2023 elections, which involved reserving certain wards for his favourite individuals, has significantly contributed to the current discord in Mutare.
According to the source, the internal divisions within the CCC were not only causing administrative gridlock but were also having a detrimental impact on service delivery to residents.
“The recent events in Mutare City Council, where 11 out of 22 councillors chose to boycott a crucial meeting, are a stark manifestation of these issues. This has resulted in a significant setback for the council, hindering its ability to make decisions and manage the city effectively,” said the source.
The source said that the leadership style of Chamisa and his strategic ambiguity tactics were at the heart of the disputes among councillors.
"These tactics have led to a lack of consensus on critical resolutions and strategies for service delivery. Furthermore, the split loyalties among councillors, some aligning with Chamisa and others with Sengezo Tshabangu, have exacerbated the situation. Tshabangu's stance on further recalls for those defying his directives has added to the tension, creating an environment of uncertainty and division within the party,” added the source.
The source revealed that Itai Masaka, a senior CCC member in Mutare, was a central figure in fostering these divisions, particularly following the election of Simon Chabuka as the new mayor of Mutare.
“This internal strife is not isolated to Mutare but is reflective of a broader issue affecting CCC-run councils across the country,” said the source.
Political commentator, Edith Mushore said that as the CCC grapples with these challenges, the primary concern remains the impact on residents who are facing the brunt of deteriorating service delivery due to the council's inability to function effectively.
“The situation in Mutare is indicative of a larger problem within the CCC, raising questions about the party's ability to manage internal conflicts and fulfil its governance responsibilities,” said Mushore.
As the political saga within the CCC continues to develop, residents remain hopeful that the party's internal dynamics will not impede the provision of essential services in Mutare.
