In a surprising turn of events, Sengezo Tshabangu, a politician from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has issued further recalls on prominent figures within the opposition party. Tshabangu, who calls himself the interim CCC secretary general, has requested the removal of former information deputy minister Jameson Timba, along with four other party senators.
In correspondence addressed to Senate President Mabel Chinomona, Tshabangu, asserting that the senators were elected under the CCC political party, claimed that they no longer held membership within the organization. The affected individuals include Timba, Webster Maonera, Vongai Tome, Editor Matamisa, and Ralph T. Magunje, all of whom represent various constituencies.
Referring to Section 129k of the constitution, Tshabangu urged the Senate President to proceed with the recalls. This move follows a series of similar expulsions that have targeted numerous legislators and councillors affiliated with the main opposition.
However, Tshabangu’s actions have sparked controversy and drawn criticism. The CCC has labelled him an imposter, accusing him of misappropriating and abusing the party’s intellectual property. The party has called for his arrest, but the police have not yet taken action, despite a criminal report being filed against Tshabangu by the CCC in Harare.
Observers and critics speculate that Tshabangu may be acting as a front for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, with the aim of weakening the opposition’s power base and consolidating a de facto one-party state. Tshabangu, however, maintains that his actions are legitimate and justified. He argues that his recalls are a response to what he perceives as the imposition of election candidates by opposition leader Nelson Chamisa during the community consensus process for selecting candidates in the August elections.
The ongoing recalls initiated by Tshabangu have added further turmoil to the political landscape, intensifying tensions between opposing factions. The affected individuals and their supporters are left grappling with the consequences of their removal from their respective positions, while the CCC continues to challenge Tshabangu’s authority and actions.
As the political situation unfolds, the nation awaits further developments and potential responses from the affected individuals, the CCC, and the broader political community.
