Staff Reporter
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faces internal turmoil as Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu asserts his authority, declaring the campaign move by the recalled Member of Parliament (MP) Gift Siziba a "waste of time and resources" without official party approval.
According to Tshabangu on his official X handle as he doubled down on his position with a resolute message. He emphatically declared that any self-proclaimed CCC candidate lacking his official endorsement would be disqualified from the race. Running without his approval, he warned, was a futile exercise destined to squander both time and resources.
“I will repeat, any candidate who claims to be a CCC candidate but not approved and signed by me for the upcoming by-election, on 3 February 2024, won't be considered for the race and that position doesn’t change, so campaigning is just but a wastage of time and resources," said Tshabangu.
This strong statement comes after Siziba, despite being recalled by Tshabangu in a series of controversial moves targeting members deemed "imposed" by CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, hit the ground running, canvassing for support under the CCC banner.
Furthermore, Siziba in a defiant move took to his X page to declare his participation in the upcoming by-election, claiming to be the legitimate representative of Pelandaba-Tshabalala constituency.
Meanwhile, political analyst Nobleman Runyanga weighed in on the situation highlighting the broader implications of this internal conflict.
"The way Siziba is acting, despite being recalled, shows CCC's disregard for the law and established party structures," said Runyanga.
Runyanga goes further, attributing the predicament of recalled members to their own initial involvement in a "chaotic party with no structure, no constitution, and no vision."
He blamed their blind loyalty to Chamisa, pointing out that being "handpicked" has eroded the party's credibility.
Additionally, in stark contrast to Chamisa's perceived inaction, Tshabangu's approach is seen as a testament of his commitment to restore order and integrity within the CCC.
"Unlike Chamisa, who seems to have ignored the mayhem stemming from candidate imposition, Tshabangu is actively ensuring compliance with party norms and safeguarding its credibility," Runyanga emphasizes.
Whether the CCC can reconcile these internal divisions and navigate the upcoming by-elections against the organised Zanu PF remains a critical question.
