Sengezo Tshabangu, the beleaguered secretary of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has strongly denied allegations that he was ever affiliated with the faction led by Welshman Ncube. This statement comes after Tshabangu was dismissed from the party last week following a misconduct charge related to changes he made to the party’s leadership in Parliament.

Tshabangu’s actions, which sparked internal division within CCC, were scrutinised at a disciplinary hearing convened by Ncube’s faction. Tshabangu, who attended the hearing, claims he did so under protest, asserting that the arbitrator was an ally of Ncube. The dispute highlights the deepening rift within the opposition group, which is split between two factions: one aligned with Ncube and the other with Jameson Timba, loyal to opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

Now facing potential recall from Parliament, Tshabangu has publicly labelled the two factions as “CCC Blue” and “CCC Green,” with the former aligning with Chamisa. He argues that his position as a Senator is not linked to Ncube’s faction, citing the expiration of CCC’s leadership terms on May 27, 2024, according to the party’s constitution.

Tshabangu’s spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlio, issued a statement clarifying that Tshabangu was never a member of CCC Green, nor was he nominated or deployed as a Senator by Ncube’s faction. Mlio insisted that Tshabangu was not involved in any meetings or activities of CCC Green.

“Senator Tshabangu is not and has never been a member of CCC Green, and as the record will show, he was not nominated or deployed as a Senator by CCC Green or by any of its officials,” Mlio stated. “It is a matter of public record, which is very easy to confirm.”

Mlio further accused Ncube of attempting to seize control of CCC’s finances under the Political Parties (Finance) Act, alleging that Ncube’s faction, largely made up of former MDC Green members, is motivated by a desire to control party funds. These claims have sparked legal disputes and media coverage since October 2024.

“Ncube’s faction has been primarily focused on grabbing party finances by any means available,” Mlio added. “Ncube and his CCC Green have never cited Senator Tshabangu as belonging to their party or as their member.”

The conflict between Ncube and Tshabangu has now entered the legal realm, with Ncube’s faction reportedly seeking to recall Tshabangu from Parliament. Tshabangu’s attempts to take control of CCC have resulted in the recall of several CCC legislators, leading to costly by-elections.

Despite claims that he was promised millions of dollars under the Political Parties (Finance) Act for assuming control of the party, Tshabangu has yet to receive any funds. The government has stated that the disbursement of party funds will be delayed until the leadership dispute is resolved.

As tensions continue within CCC, Tshabangu’s future in the party remains uncertain. His attempts to distance himself from Ncube’s faction could be an effort to secure his political standing, but the ongoing leadership struggles and legal challenges may present an insurmountable challenge.