Political Reporter
A brewing dissension has erupted within the ranks of the Citizens Coalition for Change's (CCC) Sengezo Tshabangu faction following the recent gazetting of a list of senatorial and proportional representation candidates by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) last week.
Sources within that party revealed that tensions have escalated between factions led by Sengezo Tshabangu and self-imposed Treasurer General Mbuso Siso, with the latter preparing to mount a court challenge against Tshabangu's leadership.
According to an insider close to the matter, the rift stems from conflicting lists of senatorial and proportional representation candidates submitted to ZEC by both factions.
"Tshabangu and Siso submitted different lists to ZEC, but Tshabangu managed to outsmart Siso, leading to the disregard of Siso's list by the electoral commission," the source disclosed.
The source further elaborated on Siso's reaction, stating, "Siso was irked by the removal of his preferred list and intends to challenge it in court."
Adding fuel to the fire, Siso was dismayed to find that his own name was also excluded from Tshabangu's list, despite their previous alliance.
Tshabangu's list of senators included names such as Lilian Mlilo, Advocate Kucaca Phulu, Linda Sibanda, and Colleta Ndlovu, while his list of proportional representation members featured Otillia Sibanda and Lungile Ncube.
However, Siso's preferred list comprised individuals like Patricia Tshabalala and himself for the senatorial positions, with Thembalani Mkandla, Lubalethu Msimanga, and Soneni Moyo among his chosen proportional representation candidates.
The source further stated that attempts to resolve the dispute amicably were met with hostility from Tshabangu, who reportedly threatened Siso with unspecified actions.
In the midst of the internal strife, Siso has reportedly openly criticised prominent CCC figures such as Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, and Jacob Mafume, accusing them of hijacking that party.
"Siso is arguing that it was him and Tshabangu who spearheaded the efforts to instil sanity and democratic principles within the CCC. However, he is disheartened now that Tshabangu, who is aligning with the likes of Biti, Ncube, and Mafume, seems intent on sidelining him from the party's affairs," the source conveyed.
Confiding in close confidantes, Siso reportedly expressed his determination to prevent the hijacking of the CCC by Biti, Ncube, and Mafume.
“He is pushing for an urgent elective congress to establish substantive leadership and quell the factional tensions plaguing the party,” said the source.
Meanwhile, the escalating tensions within the CCC underscore the challenges faced by opposition parties that don’t have proper party structures.
The outcome of the anticipated Siso's court challenge and the CCC’s response to the factional divisions will undoubtedly shape that party’s future trajectory in the country's political landscape.
