A recent political upheaval has gripped Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, as Mayor David Coltart has decried the expulsion of 12 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councilors. The controversy, sparked by a letter from the CCC’s Interim Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu, shines a spotlight on the opposition party’s lack of clear internal structures and an ambiguous constitution, potentially putting elected officials at risk.
The situation unfolded when Mayor Coltart took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concerns about the expulsion of CCC councilors by Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Winston Chitando. The decision was based on a letter from the CCC’s Interim Secretary General, whose authority is now under scrutiny. Coltart has raised questions about the party’s internal mechanisms and constitutional safeguards in light of the vulnerability of elected officials.
“I have just been advised that the Minister of Local Government has recalled 12 CCC Zimbabwe Councillors who were elected by the citizens of Bulawayo on the basis of a letter written by a man purporting to be SG of the CCC,” Coltart’s tweet read.
I have just been advised that the Minister of Local Government has recalled 12 @CCCZimbabwe Councillors who were elected by the citizens of #Bulawayo on the basis of a letter written by a man purporting to be SG of the CCC.
— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) October 18, 2023
The action of the Minister is a serious breach of… pic.twitter.com/YSw3jXZLfJ
The Mayor’s concerns center on whether the CCC’s internal structures and constitution provide sufficient clarity and protections for its members. He has emphasized the importance of robust party mechanisms to avoid situations like these, where a single individual can issue a letter that results in the removal of elected representatives.
However, it is important to clarify that Minister Chitando’s actions were in accordance with the Zimbabwean Constitution. He was obligated to verify whether the individual claiming to represent the CCC was authorized to do so, as well as to ensure that the process followed procedural fairness. The Minister, in this regard, acted within the legal framework and requirements outlined in the constitution.
The root of this controversy lies in the perceived lack of well-defined internal structures within the CCC and an ambiguous constitution that allows for potential power struggles and uncertainties. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance for political parties to establish clear and transparent internal processes, as well as strong constitutional safeguards to ensure the integrity of the democratic system.
