Cyclone Tshabangu: Harare Mayor, Deputy Recalled

Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed secretary general, has summoned Harare Mayor Ian Makone and his deputy, Kudzai Kadzombe, sending the embattled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) into yet another political meltdown.

In the short three months since the general election, Tshabangu has recalled nine more council members, extending his power grab in the CCC.

Ian Makone, Kudzai Kadzombe, Denford Ngadziore, Lovejoy Chitegu, Samuel Gwenzi, Chido Hamauswa, Tiriboyi Sabina, and Florence Cheza and Matimba Fadzai have recently been removed from their positions by Tshabangu.

Tshabangu stated in a letter to Winston Chitando, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, that the nine council members are no longer members of the CCC.

“Kindly be advised that the following Councilors were under Citizens Coalition for Change political party, and have ceased to be members of the Citizens Coalition for Change,” read the letter.

Tshabangu is motivated by a recent High Court ruling that sustained his October recalls of 15 members of parliament.

Last Saturday, the Bulawayo-based CCC “member” intimated that he was not done with recalls.

Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the CCC, has disassociated himself from Tshabangu, calling him a fraud operating on behalf of the ruling Zanu PF party.

In a stunning turn of events, a letter from Bulawayo has also surfaced, alleging that Tshabangu has been “fired” by the CCC’s “interim” chairman.

One Maxwell Omen Murindagomo wrote to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works as well as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, stating that Tshabangu’s recall requests should not be granted.

“Kindly be advised that the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Political Party has fired its Interim Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu with immediate effect. The Citizens movement reached this decision at its Citizens Assembly Meeting held in Bulawayo on Sunday 05 November 2023.

“The reason of the expulsion emanates from the unilateral decision by Sengezo Tshabangu that led to the recall of Citizens Coalition For Change CCC Councillors. As of today, you’re advised not to entertain any letter or correspondence from Sengezo Tshabangu. The same meeting has appointed Zibusiso Tshongwe as interim National Secretary General for Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC),” read the letter.