By Takudzwa Changadeya
Harare – The Zimbabwe parliament has sparked public outcry by enforcing leadership changes within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), despite a High Court challenge against the move.
The changes, directed by self-proclaimed Secretary-General Sengezo Tshabangu, have deepened divisions within the opposition party.
Tshabangu, acting unilaterally, reshuffled the CCC’s parliamentary hierarchy, replacing key figures such as Lynnette Karenyi Kore with Maureen Kademaunga as the Leader of the Opposition, and installing Nonhlahla Mlotshwa as Chief Whip.
The move has left CCC, led by Welshman Ncube, in disarray, with party leaders accusing Tshabangu of overstepping his authority.
“This is shocking,” said CCC spokesperson Willias Madzimure.
“The matter is before the court and will be heard on Friday. It is alarming that after the Speaker was served with court papers, he went ahead to enforce these changes,” added Madzimure.
The CCC had filed an urgent High Court application in Bulawayo, arguing that Tshabangu lacks the mandate to make such decisions without the party’s approval.
Yet Parliament proceeded to recognize the changes, igniting fierce criticism from CCC legislators.
Darlington Chigumbu, a CCC MP, voiced his frustration.
“As a Member of Parliament from this side, my rights are being infringed upon. What is happening in Parliament is not acceptable,” he said.
The shake-up has highlighted growing cracks within the CCC, following Tshabangu’s controversial recalls of elected officials, which previously led to former leader Nelson Chamisa distancing himself from the party.
