Opposition accuses Pro-government figures of sabot...

Opposition accuses Pro-government figures of sabotaging democracy

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe's political landscape is once again embroiled in controversy, with accusations flying that self-proclaimed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu is working in collusion with the ruling Zanu PF to undermine the opposition and extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's stay in power.

The allegations center around a purported plot to suspend the 2028 elections and establish a government of national unity, a move critics claim is a smokescreen to prolong Mnangagwa's presidency under the guise of completing ongoing government projects.

According to sources within the CCC, Tshabangu's actions are part of a broader strategy orchestrated by Zanu PF to weaken the opposition and consolidate its grip on power. The opposition factions allege that Tshabangu, along with other figures like Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe and ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera, are acting as "incendiaries" within the CCC, destabilizing the party from within.

"Everything else that is happening is a smokescreen. He is making sure he forges ahead with his paymaster’s plan to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency," a source within the CCC stated. "Behind this web of lies and deceit is a leadership and its proxies milking the country dry."

The opposition further contends that Zanu PF has been systematically installing its "acolytes" within the opposition, utilizing security agents and the judiciary to wrest control from legitimate leaders. This, they argue, has resulted in Zanu PF securing undeserved seats in council, the National Assembly, and the Senate.

"Given the vehemence with which Zanu PF has been pushing for a one-party State, there is no opposition to talk about in Zimbabwe anymore," an opposition member lamented. "Respect for choices means nothing to this capitalist and greedy lot which now occupy leadership positions."

The accusations extend beyond political maneuvering, with allegations of rampant corruption and impunity. Critics point to the government's recent probe into wealthy individuals, including social media influencers, musicians, celebrities, and politicians, as a futile exercise given the close ties between these individuals and powerful politicians.

Furthermore, the government's crackdown on journalists who expose corruption, exemplified by the imprisonment of Hopewell Chin'ono for reporting on the Draxgate scandal, has drawn widespread condemnation.

The state of Zimbabwe's public health sector has also come under scrutiny. Despite recent announcements of a deal to revamp the sector, starting with Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, critics argue that the system requires genuine government commitment and funding, not "deals" that are perceived as opportunities for corruption.

"The rehabilitation of the public health system does not need deals, it needs commitment on the part of government and stakeholders. It needs funding by the government," a concerned citizen stated. "The moment it becomes a deal, it smacks of everything wrong. It paints a whole bad picture. It tells Zimbabwe that our leaders are in office to profit from signing such deals, whose costs are usually inflated."