CCC Denies Ncube’s Acting President Claim, Calls H...

CCC Denies Ncube’s Acting President Claim, Calls Him “Enemy of Democracy”

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change faction led by former path spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi has vehemently denied Professor Welshman Ncube’s claim to be the party’s acting president, calling it “desperate, malicious, and fallacious.”

The party accused Ncube and his associates of being "caught in a time warp" and pursuing a "divisive agenda" aimed at disrupting the CCC's progress.

In a statement on Wednesday, CCC emphasised its distinct identity from the MDC-A, underlining that it was formed as a separate entity in January 2022. The party stated that Ncube and Tendai Biti, who also made similar claims, have not been active members and haven’t participated in most party meetings.

The faction highlighted its leadership structure, emphasising the Citizens National Assembly as the highest policy-making body, with no Standing Committee as claimed by Ncube. Their claims were attributed to the recently nullified 2019 MDC congress, highlighting its invalidity.

The statement further accused Ncube and his allies of being part of a “coordinated attack” on CCC, including the recent recalls of its parliamentarians. This, they claim, benefits Zanu PF and shows Ncube's opposition to the party's “democratic will.”

“It has now become clear to any reasonable person that these gentlemen and their cohorts have always been a part of the coordinated attack on the Citizens' movement through the numerous recalls. Their agenda is to reverse the democratic will of Zimbabweans across the country. And, as clearly articulated by Prof. Welshman Neube, these are the handlers of Sengezo Tshabangu.

“The apparent attacks directed at the CCC have been to the benefit of Zanu PF, which now holds a 2/3 majority in the Lowe House. This demonstrates beyond a shadow of doubt that Welshman Ncube et al have become enemies of the citizens" aspirations for democracy and prosperity in Zimbabwe," read the statement.

The party assured its supporters and progressive forces that it will "defend the people's project" from these "machinations," emphasizing its focus on addressing Zimbabwe's economic challenges. The party also encouraged citizens to support its deployees in a court case challenging the recall of its members by a purported official deemed an "imposter."

This statement signifies a deepening rift within Zimbabwe's opposition scene, raising questions about the CCC's internal unity and potential impact on its future endeavours.