Political Reporter
Former Harare East legislator, Tendai Biti is poised to make a comeback to the political arena, this time as a senator.
This development follows the recent recall of Senator Jameson Timba by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu.
A reliable source close to the developments, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Tshabangu has meticulously crafted a list of CCC members to replace the recently recalled senators and proportional representative legislators.
"It's a strategic reshuffle aimed at strengthening the party's leadership structure," the source commented.
According to the same source, Biti's return to the Senate is "a done deal." This comes after his recent meeting with Tshabangu, where they reportedly agreed upon his senatorial appointment.
"Biti's experience and political acumen are invaluable to the CCC, especially at this juncture. He is now set to replace Timba as a senator," the source added.
The same source said that the Harare East legislator, Allan Markham, who controversially defeated Biti in that party's candidate selection process, is also reportedly on the verge of being recalled.
"Markham's selection as the CCC representative in the August 2023 elections was deemed unprocedural by Tshabangu, and he is set to be recalled soon," the source explained.
Moreover, it's not just Biti making a comeback. The source indicated that former Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafumhe is also set to reprise his role, replacing the recalled mayor, Lovejoy Chitengu.
"Tshabangu has communicated to all CCC Harare councillors that supporting Mafume for the mayoral position is in their best interest if they wish to avoid being recalled," the source noted.
This political manoeuvre within the CCC comes amid reports of increasing factionalism within the party.
CCC party leader, Nelson Chamisa is reportedly at odds with senior leaders like Biti and Welshman Ncube.
"The current dynamics within CCC are complex, and these moves are part of a larger strategy to realign the party's leadership in light of the ongoing internal challenges," the source elaborated.
Meanwhile, with experienced figures like Biti and Mafume poised to return, CCC seems to be gearing up for a more consolidated and robust leadership structure ahead of future electoral challenges.
