Tshabangu sworn in as Matabeleland North senator
Declares he is still in charge of CCC even after Chamisa exit
By Staff Reporter
Sengezo Tshabangu took oath as a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) senator for Matabeleland North on Tuesday, later telling journalists he was still in charge of the fractured opposition.
Tshabangu, who burst into the limelight when he declared he was CCC interim secretary general, later ordering unpopular recalls on party legislators, vowed Nelson Chamisa’s shock exit as leader of the main opposition January this year will not affect the party’s popularity.
“The party is very much alive. The reason why I am still standing, the reason that I and my colleagues are still standing and we are sworn in today,” Tshabangu said.
“We are in control of this movement; we are going to continue discharging our duties.”
The main opposition is on a knife edge after Chamisa ditched the party leaving three factions all claiming its control.
Tshabangu urged other CCC legislators who are still undecided on who to follow to embrace his faction.
“Time is ticking away for them; they need to embrace the moving train. We are the people, we are the alternative, we need to put the government on its toes,” he said.
Tshabangu, who denies opposition claims he was a Zanu PF front, was sworn in together with seven other loyalists who snatched seats previously occupied by recalled MPs.
A hardly known quantity in local politics until his bombshell recalls October last year, Tshabangu said he felt good about his debut as a legislator.
“It’s a great feeling. And I am happy for the people of Zimbabwe and I hope I am going to represent them well. This is the beginning of a new chapter for the politics of Zimbabwe,” he said.
