High Court Delays Decision on CCC Leadership Clash

In a significant political standoff, the High Court has deferred its ruling on the dispute between Welshman Ncube and Sengezo Tshabangu over changes in CCC’s parliamentary roles.

Ncube, claiming to be the acting president of CCC, is challenging the legitimacy of Tshabangu’s actions as the party’s interim secretary-general.

The contention centers on Tshabangu’s unilateral decisions to reshuffle CCC’s parliamentary representatives, which Ncube argues bypasses the party’s constitutional protocols.

Ncube’s legal team seeks to prevent the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, from acknowledging these changes.

Tshabangu’s lawyers maintain that the Speaker has no choice but to act on decisions already made, arguing the changes are a fait accompli.

They assert that this matter should be dismissed from the High Court, with a suggestion that it be rechanneled to the Constitutional Court for proper adjudication.

Justice Neville Wamambo has kept the legal community in suspense by reserving judgment on whether this case should proceed further in the High Court.

A notable casualty of Tshabangu’s reshuffle includes Chikanga’s MP Lynette Karenyi-Kore, who was ousted from her role as Leader of the Opposition.

Tshabangu’s legal representatives, Lewis Uriri and Nqobani Sithole, argue the High Court lacks jurisdiction due to the constitutional nature of the dispute.

Uriri emphasized the irrelevance of urgency, stating, “The juristic act had already taken place. All the Speaker does is inform of changes made.”

Ncube’s counsel, Method Ndlovu, countered by accusing the Speaker of unlawfully recognizing Tshabangu’s decisions amidst an unresolved legal battle over his authority.

Tshabangu’s reshuffle saw Caston Matewu of Marondera Central replaced by Zivai Mhetu in a key media committee leadership role.

In another shift, Minenhle Ntandoyenkosi Gumede was replaced by Thokozani Khupe for the committee on Higher Education and related fields.

Sithabisiwe Moyo’s position as chair of the Indigenisation Committee was handed over to Maxwell Mdhluri, signaling a significant internal shift.

Takudzwa Ngadziore’s role as deputy chair of the Youth Caucus was reassigned to Richard Tsvangirai, illustrating the extent of the reshuffle.

This legal battle not only defines the future of CCC’s internal governance but also sets a precedent for how political parties resolve internal disputes in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.