By A Correspondent
A senior ZANU PF official has claimed responsibility for the disintegration of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), with the party now vowing to dismantle any new political organization that Nelson Chamisa may attempt to form.
Edson Chiherenge, the Midlands provincial chairperson for ZANU PF, made the remarks during a public gathering at Charandura Business Centre in Chirumanzu, where 50 individuals who were reportedly defecting from the CCC to ZANU PF were ceremoniously introduced to the ruling party.
Speaking to supporters, Chiherenge declared that the opposition party, led by Chamisa, was no longer in existence.
“This party (CCC) wants to register another party. We know there is no longer any CCC because the party has disintegrated,” he said.
“We are waiting for the new party to come on board so that we destroy it again.”
Chiherenge’s comments come after a period of turmoil within the CCC, culminating in Chamisa’s dramatic departure from the party earlier this year.
The opposition leader alleged that the party had been infiltrated, with self-styled interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu taking control of its leadership.
Tshabangu, who was virtually unknown prior to the 2023 general elections, gained prominence after the elections, eventually seizing leadership through controversial court rulings and political maneuvers.
This included the involvement of the National Assembly Speaker and Senate President, which led to the recall of several CCC lawmakers and councillors.
Chiherenge also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the former CCC members for defecting to ZANU PF, acknowledging their decision and adding that both the party and President Emmerson Mnangagwa “recognize and appreciate” their move. However, he cautioned the new members to avoid harboring ambitions of quickly rising to positions of power within the party.
“We welcome you, but don’t come here thinking you can quickly take positions,” Chiherenge warned, underlining the importance of patience and loyalty in ZANU PF.
The unfolding saga within the CCC and ZANU PF’s role in its destabilization is likely to fuel further political tensions as Chamisa considers his next steps.
The ruling party’s claim of dismantling the opposition could be interpreted as an indirect admission of its involvement in facilitating Tshabangu’s rise, thereby undermining the CCC and potentially weakening its ability to mount a serious challenge in future elections.