Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) National Deputy Spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba sent social media into a frenzy when he hinted that the Nelson Chamisa-led party is dumping the party name for a new one.
This development doesn’t come as a surprise, especially considering the recent power struggles within the party.
Self-imposed Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu virtually owns the CCC after the High Court prevented 22 CCC legislators, recalled by him, from participating as party candidates in the by-elections last December.
In a bold move, Tshabangu recalled 14 MPs and eight Senators in October, claiming they were no longer CCC members. Despite their appeals at both the High Court and the Supreme Court, the MPs lost their cases but managed to file nomination papers for the by-elections under CCC. Tshabangu, in response, successfully contested the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s acceptance of their candidatures.
Tshabangu’s ongoing recalls have created uncertainty about the political future of those elected as CCC candidates in the August 2023 elections.
Recently, Tshabangu even went further and named an interim CCC leadership comprised of a national treasurer, chairperson, women assembly chairperson and national director of elections with some reports suggesting that he had also named Nelson Chamisa’s replacement.
Now, Gift Ostallos Siziba sparked curiosity when he hinted that they are dumping the name CCC for a new one the Democratic Alternative in Zimbabwe (DAZ). This move wouldn’t be unprecedented, as CCC itself emerged after the courts granted control of the MDC Alliance to Douglas Mwonzora.
Siziba shared a picture of Chamisa on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption,
“The leader of the Democratic Alternative in Zimbabwe is Advo Nelson Chamisa.”
This sparked various reactions, with some speculating it as a strategic move against Tshabangu, while others were sceptical, likening it to old wine in new skins. Below are some of the reactions:
@Yadentra:
Then next pull out all those who are still under CCC ticket in Parliament. Register the new party. Automatically by-elections under DAZ . What a move . Haaa mamugona Chabangu.
@AfricanComNotes:
If you find yourself having to repeat what should be the obvious, you have lost. Zanu Pf doesn’t have to remind anyone that ED Mnangagwa is their leader.
@NhasiZviripayi:
Hope it’s not a new name. Tingazonzi “Drinkers Association of Zimbabwe”
@zimrobbie:
Very very last kicks of a not so well thought out movement. In his next project he should listen to reason and build a movement with systems that work and are protected not a Jim Jones type affair.
@james_n94:
If Chamisa ends up loosing the CCC to the extent that he forms something else, that will be the biggest sign of his weakness. How can you lose what you made?
SOURCE : IHARARE
