Political Reporter

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa has successfully neutralised the influence of his interim co-deputy, Welshman Ncube, in Bulawayo Province.

A source who spoke to this publication said that the recently concluded candidate selection process in Bulawayo saw a majority of aspiring candidates aligned with Ncube fall by the wayside.

According to the source, all Ncube-linked aspiring candidates received text messages on June 2, 2023, advising them that they had failed to sail through the candidate selection process.

"All aspiring candidates aligned to Ncube were disqualified. This was done to neutralise the influence of Ncube in Bulawayo Province. Chamisa has done this to clip the wings of Ncube and to show members who is the boss within CCC," said the source.

Some candidates who failed to make it in Bulawayo include current Bulawayo Metropolitan MP Jasmine Toffa, who was beaten by newcomer Minenhle Gumede. Gumede, who was nominated for Bulawayo North, also came out on top against CCC Bulawayo Provincial Spokesperson, Swithern Chirowodza and Elvis Mujeri.

"Those who fell by the wayside include Jasmani Toffa, Solomon Mguni, and Councillor Mulandu Ncube. They were accused of being Ncube’s loyalists," added the source.

According to the source, Lobengula legislator, Gift Banda was initially disqualified, but he appealed to Chamisa, and his name is now appearing on the final Bulawayo candidates’ lists.

"Banda’s name was initially dropped. However, he had a lengthy phone conversation with Chamisa, and his name is now appearing on the final list. Rumour has it that Banda paid a tithe to Chamisa so that his name could be considered," said the source.

The source claimed that Ncube-linked aspiring candidates were accused of fanning tribalism and factionalism in Bulawayo. They were also accused of victimising Shona candidates in Bulawayo.