LOCAL NEWS

According to a source who confided in this publication, a number of Kasukuwere sympathisers are now in the process of writing apology letters for the possibility of readmission into the ZANU PF Party.

“Kasukuwere sympathisers such as Jim Kunaka and Cadwell Katandika have resolved to write letters of apology to ZANU PF and seek readmission. They have come to a conclusion that it is difficult to fight ZANU PF, referring it to an elephant, which is impossible to push. Hence, they have decided to re-join ZANU PF and work under the ruling Party,” said the source.

The source added that besides letters of apology, Cadwell and Kunaka were also drafting congratulatory messages to President Mnangagwa on his 23 August 2023 electoral victory.

“Cadwell and Kunaka, are also in the process of writing congratulatory letters to President Mnangagwa on his recent electoral victory so that they can be forgiven and pardoned and allowed back into the system,” said the source.

The same source added that Kasukuwere is also being urged to desist from criticising Government and President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his X social media account so that he can also be pardoned and return back home.

Additionally according to source, Godfrey Tsenengamu who was Kasukuwere’s the national coordinator during the latter’s failed Presidential bid, has also toned down on his criticism of President Mnangagwa on X, which the source interpreted as a sign that he may also be considering re-joining the party.

Efforts to contact Kasukuwere spokesperson, Jacqueline Sande were futile as she was not reachable.

Speaking to this publication today, a close ally of Chamisa revealed that the latter expressed concern over the direct confrontation he was being subjected to by some of his party members who are questioning the selection process of mayors and local Government committee members.

“All is not well in the CCC party, as Chamisa fears en masse defections from his party to Zanu PF.  This follows his direct involvement with the selection of mayors and local Government committee members. His continued imposition of candidates has made him very unpopular and he is aware of that. Last week Chamisa called me and indicated that he might lose a sizeable number his party members to defection.

“He highlighted that some party members were confronting him over the mayoral selection process. He said party members are questioning his decision to personally pinpoint mayoral candidates.” said Chamisa`s ally.

Meanwhile, political analyst, James Mapfumo has condemned Chamisa for his dictatorial tendencies indicating that CCC members are more likely to defect to Zanu PF, a party that is identified for its strong internal democracy.

“I understand CCC members who want to defect to Zanu PF, Chamisa has done nothing, but reveal his dictatorial tendencies at the beginning of the just ended Harmonised General Elections, something that has irked the CCC members. The pull factor to Zanu PF is because the ruling Party continues to exhibit firm democratic processes in all its endeavors. It held primaries to select its candidates unlike the one man band that was seen in the CCC camp. This managed to gives Zanu PF members a say on who would represents them. People want their voices to be heard.

“In contrast, CCC has no formal system of internal democracy. Chamisa is running the party in an authoritarian manner, with little consultation with other party members. His decision to impose mayors and local government committee members without consulting the party's rank and file has further reinforced this perception,” said Mapfumo.

Mapfumo further highlighted that the CCC mayoral candidate selection process has already started fermenting divisions within that party.  

“Chamisa's decisions to single handedly pick Mayoral candidates is undemocratic and will only serve to further divide that party. That move will cost him dearly, as it is likely to alienate some members of the party causing them to defect to Zanu PF,” said the Mapfumo.

Meanwhile, the CCC election of the Victoria Falls Mayor and Deputy failed to take place on Tuesday afternoon after a group of local residents disrupted the process. The incensed residents accused Chamisa of imposing candidates. Chamisa preferred councillor, Ephias Mambume of Ward 1, which was against the will of the Victoria Falls residents.

Staff Reporter

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa now fears losing his party members to Zanu PF, as a result of leadership wrangles within that party, Harare Post has learnt.

Speaking to this publication today, a close ally of Chamisa revealed that the latter expressed concern over the direct confrontation he was being subjected to by some of his party members who are questioning the selection process of mayors and local Government committee members.

“All is not well in the CCC party, as Chamisa fears en masse defections from his party to Zanu PF.  This follows his direct involvement with the selection of mayors and local Government committee members. His continued imposition of candidates has made him very unpopular and he is aware of that. Last week Chamisa called me and indicated that he might lose a sizeable number his party members to defection.

“He highlighted that some party members were confronting him over the mayoral selection process. He said party members are questioning his decision to personally pinpoint mayoral candidates.” said Chamisa`s ally.

Meanwhile, political analyst, James Mapfumo has condemned Chamisa for his dictatorial tendencies indicating that CCC members are more likely to defect to Zanu PF, a party that is identified for its strong internal democracy.

“I understand CCC members who want to defect to Zanu PF, Chamisa has done nothing, but reveal his dictatorial tendencies at the beginning of the just ended Harmonised General Elections, something that has irked the CCC members. The pull factor to Zanu PF is because the ruling Party continues to exhibit firm democratic processes in all its endeavors. It held primaries to select its candidates unlike the one man band that was seen in the CCC camp. This managed to gives Zanu PF members a say on who would represents them. People want their voices to be heard.

“In contrast, CCC has no formal system of internal democracy. Chamisa is running the party in an authoritarian manner, with little consultation with other party members. His decision to impose mayors and local government committee members without consulting the party's rank and file has further reinforced this perception,” said Mapfumo.

Mapfumo further highlighted that the CCC mayoral candidate selection process has already started fermenting divisions within that party.  

“Chamisa's decisions to single handedly pick Mayoral candidates is undemocratic and will only serve to further divide that party. That move will cost him dearly, as it is likely to alienate some members of the party causing them to defect to Zanu PF,” said the Mapfumo.

Meanwhile, the CCC election of the Victoria Falls Mayor and Deputy failed to take place on Tuesday afternoon after a group of local residents disrupted the process. The incensed residents accused Chamisa of imposing candidates. Chamisa preferred councillor, Ephias Mambume of Ward 1, which was against the will of the Victoria Falls residents.

Staff Reporter

Today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa participated in a high-level dialogue focused on the pressing challenges of financing for development.

Following the notification by the European Union (EU) over its suspension of support to the ZEC based on the preliminary reports that were given by SADC and EU Election Observer Mission (EUEEOM), political analyst, Terrence Chapwanya stated that the suspension is an indication of strings attached to the donor funds which seek to control an independent constitutional body.

“ZEC is an independent constitutional body and should never accept foreign funding as this is an inadmissible use of donors to indirectly influence the country’s electoral outcome.” Chapwanya said.

Another political analyst, Kudakwashe Sachi said that ZEC is an independent body which is guided on the concept of independence and in a nutshell the constitution stipulates that ZEC shall not be under the direction or control of anyone.

“ZEC should stop accepting funding from donors since the funding is conditional and one-sided, the EU is now pulling out their funding because they failed to control the electoral dynamics in Zimbabwe.  The independence of ZEC as a constitutional body hit the EU like a ton of bricks, as their donation failed to skew ZEC to their desired outcome,” said Sachi.

Sachi went on to say that ZEC must be fully funded by the country’s treasury to avoid indirect attempts of influence from foreign funding.

“The EU’s action is tantamount to using the power of the Euro or the Dollar to compromise ZEC’s independence. Whether a constitutional or statutory body has not acted in accordance with the Constitution is a case for the country’s competent courts of law to determine; and not for anyone else, let alone a donor agency,” he said

Other analysts added that, for ZEC to secure their constitutional independence, and to safeguard Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, chapter 12 of the country’s Constitution, states that constitutional bodies must not accept any foreign funding in whatsoever form from any foreign source because, “ he who pays the piper calls the tune.”

Maria Makuvana, a resident from Budiriro hailed the development stating that the councils have been doing injustice to the urban dwellers by failing to deliver services.

"I am very happy to hear that the Government is taking action to deal with failing local authorities. Our urban councils have been doing a terrible job. They have not been collecting garbage, and water supply is erratic, we drive on potholed roads everyday incurring unnecessary suspension costs to our vehicles.

“I am hopeful that a commission will be able to improve our conditions," said Makuvana.

Another citizen Tracy Maphosa who is a resident in Kuwadzana highlighted that the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party has failed to run its urban councils because it was more interested in playing politics than in delivering service to the people.

"The CCC has been running our councils to the ground. They are more interested in playing politics than in serving the people. The Government decision is the correct one if we are going to witness any form of development within the urban areas, and I am convinced that a commission will be able to do a better job," said Maphosa.

The move to replace incompetent councils with a commission was echoed by Harare Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Tafadzwa Muguti this week while he was superintending over mayoral elections at the Chitungwiza Municipality.  In his remarks Muguti said that the Government was concerned with the poor performance of some local authorities, particularly those controlled by the CCC. He said that these councils had failed to provide basic services to residents, such as water, sanitation, and refuse collection.

According to an inside source, CCC MPs are adamant about engaging with ZANU PF to secure roles in the new Government. The source revealed that the CCC representatives argue that there is no valid reason to exclude themselves from Government affairs, as ZANU PF is slated to rule for the next five years.

“CCC legislators and councillors believe that collaboration with ZANU PF is the key to effective governance during the next five years. To them, it seems counter-productive not to engage with the ruling party as they would also need to advocate for their constituents' interests from the same Government.

“They argue that isolating themselves from the ruling party is counter-productive. CCC representatives say there is no reason to exclude themselves from the new Government, they insist that their best foot forward would be to work with Zanu PF towards nation building,” revealed the source.

The source further disclosed that CCC MPs are actively pressuring Tendai Biti to engage with CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa to get an endorsement to their proposal. However, according to the source Biti expressed skepticism in engaging Chamisa due to his selective listening habit that makes him to listen more to western funders than to his close lieutenants.

“CCC Legislators and MPs are pressurizing Biti to convince Chamisa to engage ZANU PF as this can ensure their inclusion in the Government projects. While acknowledging the demand, Biti expressed concerns about the challenges of dealing with Chamisa. He pointed out that Chamisa often listens to external voices, primarily his financial backers, which can complicate decision-making. Nevertheless, Biti assured his fellow CCC members that he would do his best to persuade Chamisa to consider collaborating with ZANU PF,” said the source.

Meanwhile, leaked information within CCC suggest that Biti is contemplating a leadership change within that party.  Sources further indicated that Biti views Chamisa's leadership as weak and believes that a change in leadership may be necessary.

Innocent Mujeri

In a landmark address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for the immediate lifting of the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the US and Western nations.

Political Reporter

In what appears to be an unexpected turn of events, Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), might find himself grappling with disappointment.

As usual, the CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa is reportedly working tirelessly to ensure the selection of his loyalists for both chairperson and deputy’s positions. According to a contact, the opposition`s eyes are set on Eshawadi Chamunorwa for the Chairmanship. This is despite the popular support enjoyed by Councillor Pritchard Paradzai in the farming town. However, the source said, Paradzai was aligned to Tendai Biti`s faction hence Chamisa’s efforts to elbow him out.

“Chamisa has already set up a technical panel led by Samuel Matemera to ensure the selection of his loyalists. The four member panel was directly ordered by Chamisa to make sure that Chamunorwa lands the post with a Emmanuel Chikaponya deputizing him.

“The interested councillors were subjected to an interview where they were asked five questions. We have already established that the questions were leaked to Chamunorwa and Chikaponya prior to the interview. As a result, the two performed extremely and suspiciously well in the interview,” said the source.

The source revealed that three other members of the panelists were Pastor Maroyiwa, Thomson Mlilo and one business man called Dhewa. He said the panel was handpicked by Chamisa through that party`s Organising Secretary, Amos Chibaya.

“The panel has already recommended Chamunorwa as Chairperson and Chikaponya as his deputy. Chamunorwa`s closest rivals were Paradzai and Yovani Tapera while Chikaponya`s closest rivals were Angeline Moyana and Panashe Mujeye.

“In a move viewed as an attempt to pacify the Norton residents, the popular candidate, Chikaponya was recommended for Housing Committee deputy Chairperson and he will deputize Patience Chigodora,” said the source.

The source went on to reveal other councillors who were recommended as chairs and deputies of council committees. Angeline Moyana was recommended to chair Finance Committee, deputized by Rosemary Talika. Webster Munemo was earmarked for the Heal Committee with Tineyi Marokwe as his deputy.

Engineering Committee was proposed to be head by Yovani with Action Mataruse as deputy. Barnbus Pachawo was recommended to chair Human Resources Committee deputized by Panashe Mujeye. Audit Committee was proposed to be under the Chairmanship of Tarisayi Mazarura with Sandra Gomo as deputy.

Meanwhile, Chamisa is alleged to be consolidating his power in urban areas through imposing his loyalists as Mayors and Chairpersons.

According to the report there were CCC activists who were involved in the arson that resulted in the damage of the Party’s property.

“A group of CCC activists have been reported to be responsible for the destructive fire that damaged ZANU PF property. The fire consumed a wooden table, seven plastic chairs and two small wooden benches, and a further damage was done to the Party building. ZANU PF members who reside near the party offices alerted Jonhera leading him to report the CCC hooligans to the Budiriro police station,” revealed the source.

CCC's history of violence has raised significant concerns in the country. That party’s violent acts during the recent election season sparked worries, with their apparent proclivity for violence becoming increasingly evident.

The beleaguered political outfit perpetrated acts of violence in many parts of the country. A troubling incident occurred when a group of six CCC members led by Gift Chatambudza was involved in an altercation at the funeral of Rosemary Chiruva in Epworth. The targeted victim of this confrontation was Douglas Mwonzora’s security aide, Panganayi Musarudzwa.

Another disturbing incident involved CCC Sunningdale legislator, Maureen Kademaunga and Harare  Ward 10 councillor, Clyde Mushonjera who were recently arrested on charges of attempted murder and assault, further highlighting the tendency for violence within the CCC ranks.

Meanwhile, political analysts have commented on the violent acts perpetrated  by CCC, highlighting that it was surprising that these incidents were not adequately addressed in the post-election report compiled by the Head of the SADC Election Observer Mission (SEOM), Dr. Nevers Mumba, and his team.