Political Reporter
The High Court has dealt a blow to Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim Secretary-General Sengezo Tshabangu, barring him from unilaterally reshuffling the party’s parliamentarians.
Yesterday, Justice Neville Wamambo ruled in favour of CCC acting president Professor Welshman Ncube, who filed an urgent application to halt Tshabangu’s controversial moves, accusing him of defying party structures and legal orders.
Justice Wamambo’s ruling overturned Tshabangu’s attempted removals of Members of Parliament Linnet Karenyi-Kore, Sessel Zvidzai, and Edwin Mushoriwa from the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO).
The Judge also declared Tshabangu’s appointment of Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa as opposition chief whip unconstitutional, highlighting that the position itself is not recognised under Zimbabwean law.
“The reshuffle in this case amounts to a recall, both literally and legally,” Justice Wamambo said in his judgment, citing a prior ruling by Justice Tawanda Chitapi that barred Tshabangu from initiating recalls pending the resolution of a broader legal dispute over his authority.
“I also find that the position of chief whip is not sanctioned by the constitution and is thus unlawful.”
The judgment has brought to the forefront the intensifying factionalism within the CCC, a development many see as a serious threat to the cohesion and survival of the opposition movement.
Tshabangu’s actions, including self-appointing as the leader of the opposition in Parliament, have been described as a challenge to that party’s hierarchy and a destabilising force.
Political commentators have raised concerns over the escalating divisions within the CCC, warning that the party’s internal wrangles could undermine its ability to challenge the ruling ZANU-PF effectively.
Political analyst Calvin Chitsunge described the judgment as a “litmus test” for the CCC’s leadership.
“This judgment exposes the deep cracks within the opposition. If the CCC cannot resolve these disputes internally, it risks alienating voters and eroding the credibility it has worked hard to build,” he said.
Another commentator, Faith Mandizha, warned of far-reaching consequences for the opposition movement.
“This infighting is not just about leadership positions; it reflects a lack of strategic focus. At a time when the opposition needs unity to counteract ZANU-PF’s dominance, these squabbles are giving their opponents an advantage,” she said.
Mandizha added that the judgment underscores the need for decisive leadership to navigate the CCC out of its internal crises.
Meanwhile the party now faces a critical moment, as ongoing factionalism threatens to derail its efforts to present a united front.
As the opposition grapples with these internal challenges, many are left questioning its ability to effectively represent a viable alternative to the ruling party.
