Political Reporter

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa recently fiercely lashed out at interim secretary for external affairs, Gladys Hlatshwayo, accusing her of orchestrating a coup against him.

A source who spoke to this publication said that this fallout came during that party’s recent Citizens National Assembly (CNA) meeting, where Hlatshwayo suggested the adoption of what she termed "institutional and constitutional reforms" within the CCC.

"Hlatshwayo's proposal seemed innocent, aimed at strengthening the party's structure, but Chamisa perceived it as a veiled attempt to undermine his position as the party president," said the source.

According to the source, Chamisa’s reaction to the suggestion was immediate and intense.

The source quoted Chamisa telling Hlatshwayo, "You are the mouthpiece of those plotting to unseat me from the helm of the CCC."

The same source added that this accusation created palpable tension in the room, with Chamisa threatening to leave the meeting in a show of anger.

"When Chamisa threatened to walk out, nobody followed him, which seemed to take him by surprise," the source said.

The source further claimed that Chamisa later whispered to Amos Chibaya, "Dai kari kare kwangu ndatobuda so" (if it were back then I would have already left).

The source said that the meeting continued amidst a charged atmosphere with Chamisa further arguing that calls for institutional and constitutional reforms were tantamount to a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

 Hlatshwayo, in her defence, clarified that her presentation and suggestion were based on deliberations by the party's political and diplomatic resolution committee and were not her personal opinions.

The source said that Felix Mafa Sibanda’s intervention to replace Hlatshwayo's proposed reforms with a strategy focusing on political pressure and a broader alliance with the country's Civic Society Organisations (CSOs) also met with resistance from Chamisa.

"I no longer trust the CSOs. I will only work with those who seek a political alliance with us, not the other way around," Chamisa reportedly said.

The internal conflict within the CCC's leadership highlights the growing strain on the party's unity and direction.

Efforts to obtain comments from Hlatshwayo and CCC National Spokesperson, Promise Mkwananzi were unsuccessful, as their phones were not reachable.