Opposition Party CCC Faces Financial Crisis Amid Salary Arrears and Political Infighting

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is grappling with a deep financial crisis, burdened by over US$1.2 million in unpaid salaries to its employees. This has emerged alongside ongoing factional battles within the party.

The unpaid salaries, accrued over a two-year span, are owed to a group of employees, including security personnel and communication officers. These individuals worked diligently for the party during crucial periods, especially in the lead-up to the 2023 elections. Despite their efforts, their compensation was deferred with promises tied to disbursements from the Political Parties Fund.

As the CCC splits into three factions following the departure of Nelson Chamisa, a bitter struggle over control of party finances has further complicated the situation. This infighting has led to an unfortunate delay in addressing the financial obligations, with each faction embroiled in battles for legitimacy and funding control.

Employees have now expressed frustration, threatening legal action. According to some insiders, party leadership has not adequately responded to their concerns, leaving many feeling abandoned. Workers demand clarity on how and when their long-overdue payments will be made, reflecting growing impatience and anger.

One disillusioned worker remarked that their efforts directly contributed to the CCC’s election successes. Yet, despite their contributions, these workers now find themselves overlooked by leadership more focused on internal disputes than resolving labor issues.

The financial battle primarily revolves around the funds disbursed under Zimbabwe’s Political Parties Finance Act. The CCC faction led by Sengezo Tshabangu recently received part of the allocation from the ZiG70 million earmarked for political parties in the 2023 elections. This only intensified the existing feud between factions.

However, faction leaders, including Jameson Timba, Welshman Ncube, and Tshabangu, have all publicly acknowledged the salary debt. Promise Mkwananzi, speaking for Timba’s faction, emphasized that employee salaries were initially intended to be paid through the political grant. This plan faltered as the funds were “diverted” to rival factions. Mkwananzi urged those controlling the funds to prioritize paying workers.

On the other hand, Tshabangu’s faction has also admitted the arrears issue, with his personal assistant confirming that contracts of the employees are under review. While Tshabangu recognizes the value of the workers’ contributions, he emphasized that the salary backlog preceded his leadership. Nevertheless, Tshabangu expressed commitment to finding an amicable resolution, indicating his intent to meet with employees.

The situation remains unresolved, with each faction pushing responsibility toward the others. Welshman Ncube’s camp has pointed to procedural issues regarding the authentication of employment records, suggesting that the matter needs to be managed by the office of the secretary-general.

These financial disputes are emblematic of the larger disarray within the CCC, where political discord has left the party fractured and its workforce disgruntled. The leadership vacuum following Chamisa’s departure has created an unstable environment, with vital party functions, including labor relations, left in limbo.

Employees’ patience appears to be wearing thin. With no clear timeline for when the arrears will be paid, the party now faces the additional threat of legal action. Several workers have hinted that, without immediate resolution, they may seek redress through the courts, potentially further damaging the party’s reputation.

This crisis, unfolding within one of Zimbabwe’s major opposition forces, reveals the extent to which internal power struggles can destabilize not only party operations but also the livelihoods of those who have been essential in driving its political agenda.

As tensions rise within CCC ranks, the leadership must find a way to navigate its internal turmoil while simultaneously ensuring that its obligations to employees are met. Failure to do so may not only result in legal consequences but also risk the party’s credibility in future political battles.

The CCC must prioritize stabilizing its financial situation and paying its workers. This will not only restore confidence within its ranks but also reflect its ability to manage party affairs more effectively amidst political turbulence.

The Zim Bulletin