By 
In a dramatic twist of events, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) self-proclaimed secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu has backtracked on his earlier stance and agreed to attend a disciplinary hearing convened by party leader Welshman Ncube. The hearing, scheduled for yesterday, follows Tshabangu’s unilateral restructuring of key parliamentary committees a move that sparked widespread internal discord.
The disciplinary process comes against the backdrop of months-long tensions within the opposition party, with accusations of factionalism and power grabs dominating the political narrative. Tshabangu, who had previously declared he would not participate in the hearing due to ongoing court cases, now finds himself compelled to defend his actions before a panel he has already dismissed as “illegitimate.”
Nqobizitha Mlilo, spokesperson for Tshabangu, confirmed the decision to attend but cast doubt on the legitimacy of the process.
“Senator Tshabangu will today appear at a purported hearing to respond to undisclosed charges before a patently illegal setup that has all the trappings of a sham kangaroo court,” Mlilo said. “This hearing is driven by a highly personalized and malicious agenda intended to destabilize the party.”
The internal turmoil stems from Tshabangu’s controversial decision to demote legislators aligned with Ncube and appoint his own allies to key positions. MNcube, in response, initiated disciplinary proceedings, arguing that the move was unconstitutional and detrimental to party cohesion.
However, Mlilo alleges that the process is biased, pointing to the appointment of an arbiter he claims is a “well-known personal friend” of Ncube.
“There can be no legally valid national disciplinary committee constituted under the party’s constitution,” Mlilo said. “The terms of office for all Article 6 organs expired on May 27, 2024. This so-called committee, appointed in October 2024, has no more authority over Senator Tshabangu or any CCC member than a beauty pageant panel.”
The disciplinary hearing marks a significant moment for the CCC, which has been plagued by infighting since last year’s contentious parliamentary committee reshuffle. Analysts warn that these divisions could undermine the party’s effectiveness as Zimbabwe’s primary opposition voice, particularly in parliamentary debates on critical national issues.
Tshabangu has hinted at retaliatory measures through the party’s parliamentary caucus, which he claims remains loyal to his leadership. “The party’s focus should be on national interest, but it’s being derailed by Ncube’s single-minded agenda,” Mlilo said, adding that Tshabangu remains committed to ensuring the party’s institutional integrity.
As the hearing proceeds behind closed doors, the outcome remains uncertain. The verdict could significantly influence the CCC’s internal dynamics and its broader political strategy as the party prepares for future electoral contests.
The CCC leadership has yet to comment on the proceedings, while the nation watches with keen interest as the drama unfolds.
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