Tshabangu imposes CCC by-elections candidates

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CCC Recall Saga: Jaw-dropping hypocrisy of self-imposed secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu exposed

In a stunning twist to the ongoing political saga, Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary-general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), finds himself embroiled in controversy.

Accused of double standards, Tshabangu now faces scrutiny after imposing candidates for the upcoming December 9 by-elections, a move he vehemently criticized when recalling opposition legislators and councillors earlier this year.

Tshabangu’s decision to trigger the by-elections was fuelled by his assertion that the recalled legislators were “outsiders” imposed upon the people. However, his recent actions have raised eyebrows as he unilaterally selected candidates without conducting internal primary elections, leaving him vulnerable to accusations of hypocrisy.

The recalled Members of Parliament, including proportional representation legislators, primarily hailed from the provinces of Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, and Bulawayo.

Political analyst Romeo Chasara pointed out the glaring inconsistency in Tshabangu’s actions, stating that he had an opportunity to showcase his envisioned democracy but instead resorted to hand-picking candidates, seemingly favouring his own acquaintances.

Chasara remarked, “His main reason was that the recalled legislators were imposed. He had the chance to show the whole world how his envisaged democracy works, but he just came up with a list of candidates,” he told NewsDay.

“At least during the August (23 and 24) elections, the CCC had internal processes to come up with representatives. This guy just came up with a list of his friends.”

When contacted for comment, Tshabangu’s spokesperson, Khaliphani Phugeni, refuted the allegations of hand-picking candidates, asserting that they had not bypassed the primary process.

Phugeni clarified, “We did not have to go through the primary process, but we resorted to the candidates who were chosen by the people, but then got disadvantaged for one reason or the other. So there was no need for a primary process because those people were already there. There were other people who were favoured ahead of them.”

While the Phugeni maintains that their candidate selection was based on those who were previously overlooked, concerns linger over the lack of transparency and the absence of an internal election process. The move raises questions about the integrity of Tshabangu’s leadership and the extent to which the CCC adheres to democratic principles.

The controversy surrounding Tshabangu’s actions casts a shadow over his faction’s credibility, as critics argue that his recent conduct contradicts the values he claims to uphold. In a political landscape where consistency and transparency are paramount, Tshabangu now faces a pivotal moment that will test his ability to lead with integrity.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming by-elections, the nation watches with anticipation, eager to see if Tshabangu’s allies will win and bury Chamisa’s preferred candidates. The outcome of these elections will not only determine the political landscape but will also serve as a litmus test for Tshabangu and his handlers.