By Artwell Muchirahondo
Yemurai Guveya, the ZANU – PF Midlands Youth Secretary for Business Affairs, recently made scathing remarks about the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), labeling them as a disorganized organization filled with unpatriotic charlatans.
Guveya vehemently opposed any amendments to Section 129(k) of the Zimbabwean Constitution, which has categorically allowed Sengezo Tshabangu to recall CCC candidates elected in the August 2023 elections.
Guveya argued that the CCC’s attempts to use this constitutional provision were a result of their own shortcomings and should not be used as a reason to amend the constitution.
According to Guveya, the Zimbabwean people had participated in the crafting of the constitution in 2013, and now the CCC was abusing it for their own political agenda.
The ZANU – PF Youth Secretary criticized CCC for causing unnecessary by-elections, which were draining the country’s resources. He called for the CCC’s leadership to be banned from participating in any political processes, claiming that they were misleading the Zimbabwean masses with their disorganized and unpatriotic practices.
Guveya further stated that the CCC should not blame ZANU – PF for their political misfortunes, but rather acknowledge President Emmerson Mnangagwa for creating a democratic environment that allowed groups like the CCC to exist. He argued that the CCC’s disorder was keeping the country in a perpetual election mode, diverting funds that could have been used for development purposes.
However, amidst the opposition from Guveya and ZANU – PF, the CCC and non-governmental organizations have been calling for the amendment of Section 129(k) of the Zimbabwean Constitution. They argue that democracy loses its essence if political parties hold the power to recall candidates, rather than the people.
Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-imposed CCC interim secretary general, has been at the forefront of the recalls, which have caused political turmoil within the country. The CCC and its supporters have advocated for a change in the constitution to ensure that the power remains with the people, rather than political parties, in the recall process.
As the debate over Section 129(k) rages on, it remains to be seen whether the calls for amendment will be successful or if the CCC will continue to face opposition from the likes of Guveya and ZANU – PF.
