Sengezo Tshabangu apologises

Zim Now Writer

Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims he is Citizens Coalition for Change interim secretary-general, has apologised to former Masvingo mayor Shantel Chiwara following remarks during an interview on HSTV, in which he referred to her as a “little girl”.

Tshabangu was the target of a barrage of criticism online where he was accused of sexism against the 25-year-old after he suggested she became mayor because she was a girlfriend of a senior party leader.

“It’s regrettable that my remarks came across as sexist. I apologise for the poor choice of words that I used and thank all those that pointed this issue out to me,” he said.

National Assembly Member (CCC) for Mt Pleasant, Fadzayi Mahere led the condemnation: “This is disgusting misogyny on display here by Mr Tshabangu. His defamatory, sexist remarks go beyond politics. It’s an attack on the right of a young, competent woman to lead and must be condemned by all progressive Zimbabweans.”

Chiwara was elected a councillor in Masvingo in the August 23 general elections but was recalled by Tshabangu, who claimed she had ceased to be a CCC member.

While the CCC argues that Tshabangu is an impostor and has no authority to recall the party’s elected officials, the Matabeleland North politician maintained that Chiwara was not elected procedurally.

“I reiterate that Shantiel Chiwara was not procedurally appointed to be a candidate in her ward, nor does she have the requisite experience for such a crucial role as mayor,” Tshabangu insisted.

Tshabangu has recalled over two dozen CCC MPs and senators and over 40 councillors, claiming they were not properly selected as candidates during the party’s candidate selection process.

By-elections have been set for December 9 in several constituencies and wards while Tshabangu has approached the courts seeking the disqualification of all recalled CCC councillors and MPs who have filed to stand in the election as CCC candidates.

His argument is that the recalled officials cannot stand on the ticket of the party that recalled them.