….as Mkwananzi, Siziba follow their leader into abyss

Political Reporter

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leadership has replaced Promise Mkwananzi as the spokesperson of that party with seasoned opposition activist, Nqobizitha Mlilo.

The decision came after a crucial meeting held in Bulawayo yesterday, where the CCC leadership led by Welshman Ncube discussed the future direction of that party following the resignation of Nelson Chamisa as party leader last week.

According to an inside source, the meeting addressed issue to fill the position left by Mkhwananzi after he decided to jump ship to follow Chamisatogether with his leader, leading to the resolution that the sensitive role of spokesperson should be entrusted to a seasoned politician.

“The decision to appoint a new party spokesperson was due to Mkhwanazi’s stance to follow Chamisa into the political wilderness. The meeting emphasised the importance of the spokesperson position, thus it resolved that it should be held by someone with political experience and who exhibits loyalty to the party,” said the source.

The meeting not only dealt with the replacement of Mkwananzi but also that of Gift Ostallos Siziba as the deputy spokesperson.

According to the source, CCC Marondera Central legislator, Caston Matewu and seasoned politician, Descent Bajila, have also been appointed as the new deputy spokespersons.

The source emphasised the CCC leadership's belief that appointing seasoned politicians to these roles reflects that party’s commitment to leveraging experienced leadership within its ranks.

 "The decision to appoint Mlilo, Matewu, and Bajila, all seasoned politicians as spokespersons reflects the party’s commitment to tapping into experienced leadership within its ranks. The move is expected not only to enhance the party's communication strategy but also strengthen its position in the political landscape,” stated the source.

The source revealed that the meeting in Bulawayo also reaffirmed the CCC's commitment to returning to the party's structures of 2019, as elected at the MDC congress.

"The leadership aims to urgently organise another extraordinary congress to elect substantive leadership. This move underscores the party's dedication to internal democracy and transparent processes,” added the source.

Political scientist, Edith Mushore, commented that the CCC's reshuffling of its leadership, with the appointment of Mlilo, Matewu and Bajila, demonstrates a strategic move to consolidate experienced politicians in key roles.

“The new appointments are all good. It shows that positions in CCC are now being given according to experience not to patronage as we have been witnessing. Maybe CCC will do better in the absence of Chamisa,” said Mushore.

In a separate decision last week, the CCC leadership appointed Chikanga legislator, Lynette Karenyi-Kore as the leader of the opposition in parliament. This move followed the recall of Amos Chibaya from parliament.