In a move that fundamentally reshapes the Citizens Coalition for Change, Interim Secretary General Senator Sengezo Tshabangu has unilaterally appointed a new national leadership team, citing expired terms and a “return to constitutionalism” following the collapse of legal challenges against him.

Harare– Senator Sengezo Tshabangu has executed a sweeping purge of the CCC’s top structures, installing a new slate of national leaders in a dramatic consolidation of power that he claims is necessary to “stabilize and grow the party.”

In a press statement issued Thursday, Tshabangu announced the immediate appointment of key figures to critical positions, including a new Interim National Organising Secretary, Treasurer General, and national spokespersons. The appointments effectively sideline previously established party figures and cement Tshabangu’s control over the party machinery.

The shake-up comes after Tshabangu declared that all legal obstacles to his actions have been removed. He referenced a judgment by DUBE JP, which he interprets as confirming that the terms of office for all party office bearers and structures—excluding the Parliamentary and Local Government Caucuses—expired on 27 May 2024.

“Now that there are no further legal challenges to the judgment and order of DUBE JP, and therefore no other legal obstacles, it has become necessary to, in phases, immediately implement the legal opinion sought and obtained by the party,” the statement reads.

The new appointments, effective immediately, include:

· Mr Francis Badzarigere as Interim National Organising Secretary
· Honourable Susan Matsunga as Interim Deputy National Organising Secretary
· Honourable Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa as Interim Chairperson of the Women’s Assembly
· Councillor Tichaona Mungwariri as Interim Chairperson of the Youth Assembly
· Honourable Kudakwashe Matibiri as Interim Treasurer General
· Mr Nqobizitha Mlilo as Interim Party Spokesperson and Interim Secretary General Spokesperson

Tshabangu framed the drastic overhaul as an “intent to stabilize and grow the party as the country enters a momentous period.” He called on the general membership to “reorganise, and remobilise the base in the spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation and maximum discipline.”

The appointments represent the most significant restructuring of the opposition party since its formation, raising questions about the future direction of the CCC and potential internal resistance. Tshabangu concluded the statement by declaring the move to be the party’s definitive “statement of intent.”