Councilor Jacob Mafume Relieved of Duties Amidst CCC-MDC Reshuffle

By Farai D Hove | ZimEye | Harare, Zimbabwe — In a surprising move, Councilor Jacob Mafume has been relieved of his duties within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)-MDC coalition, a decision believed to have been made under the direction of Acting President Welshman Ncube. The development has prompted speculation about whether this is a calculated strategy to consolidate power or the beginning of a more significant internal fallout, especially in light of Mafume’s controversial attendance at Zanu PF’s ideology school graduation.

The recent reshuffle within the CCC saw the appointments of Willias Madzimure and Kuraone Chihwayi to key communication roles. In an official statement, Welshman Ncube announced: “I am pleased to announce the following appointments, with immediate effect, of Honorable Willias Madzimure and Kuraone Chihwayi, to the positions of CCC, Secretary for Information and Publicity (Party Spokesperson) and Presidential Spokesperson respectively.” He emphasized that these appointments aim to “enhance our communication capabilities aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of our party’s communication.”

However, the absence of Mafume’s name from the list of appointees has raised eyebrows, especially after his recent participation at Zanu PF’s ideology school, an action widely criticized within opposition circles. Commenting on the development, political commentator Davis Laque noted, “My motormouth brother, Councilor Jacob Mafume, has been relieved of his duties within the CCC-MDC construct misled by Prof. W. Ncube. Is this strategic positioning, or an unfolding fallout, post Mafume’s widely condemned graduation at Zanu PF’s ideology school?”

Laque further highlighted that Kurauone Chihwayi, the newly appointed Presidential Spokesperson, is a known close ally of Prof. Ncube and has a history with the MDC-Green faction, having been its spokesperson during the MDC-A reunification efforts. Willias Madzimure, the new CCC Spokesperson, has been a significant figure in Zimbabwean politics since 2000, serving as Kambuzuma MP and briefly as Deputy Speaker of Parliament in 2008.

Reflecting on Mafume’s tenure, Laque remarked, “The soft-spoken Madzimure replaces the motormouth Mafume, who has had an unflattering stint as a spokesperson. Mafume has made his spokesmanship all about attacking Chamisa and appeasing Zanu PF. His replacement seems to be a desperate shot at damage control, albeit belatedly.”

Laque also criticized the perceived lack of credibility of the new appointees within the CCC, arguing that they “played peripheral or nonexistent roles in CCC’s national election campaign.” He suggested that their leadership might not be taken seriously by citizens or the international community.

“This is actually a group of politicians who, by and large, played peripheral or nonexistent roles in CCC’s national election campaign. It’s virtually impossible for any, and all of them to be taken seriously, citizens & the international community, as legitimate CCC leaders,” Laque stated.

As the reshuffle continues to stir debate within the CCC-MDC coalition, questions remain about the party’s future direction and whether these changes will bring about the intended improvements in communication and unity. With Zimbabwe’s political landscape continuously evolving, all eyes will be on the coalition’s next moves.