Former MDC – A National Youth Chairperson, Tererai Obey Sithole, has blasted some CCC leaders for underming democracy. Frustrated by the dominant position in the party regarding the elective congress, Sithole accused some key figures in the opposition party of posing direct threat to the essence of democracy and insulting supporters who have stood by them for too long.
Sithole’s remarks in the midst of a heated debate and disgruntlement regarding the emotive and often divisive question facing the embryonic party: to go for the elective congress before the 2023 elections or not?
Speaking to this reporter, Sithole could hardly conceal his frustration on the going-on in the party. He characteristically said CCC is the standard bearer of democracy and an elective congress is one key event to validate this status. Unfortunately and sadly pseudo-democrats are threatening to carry the day at the expense of principles and values.
He further added that although this matter is still up for debate, l personally see “the actions by some CCC leaders as a deliberate attempt to ‘kill’ our democratic culture. I strongly feel that democracy will be the biggest winner if the congress is held to allow citizens to choose their leaders. We need that logic to sink”, he said.
He further said everyone is a change champion therefore the leadership’s decision to omit an elective congress leaves a lot to be desired.
“A congress is what institutes a party, elects persons into positions to exercise power and administration of party affairs. I wonder how CCC will institute itself and delegate authority to its administration.”
Sithole also said that he believes in a citizen driven party, selected and mandated, which can only come and be realized through a platform such as an elective congress and a constitution.
Sithole, a former Youth Assembly Chairperson is currently at loggerheads with Chamisa following an altercation he had with CCC interim deputy spokesperson Ostallos Siziba which led to blood clashes in Masvingo.
Inside sources said Sithole who is alleged to be part of a faction Maruva cabal led by Tendai Biti was fired thereafter and was replaced by Cecilia Chimbiri.
Following Sithole’s sacking, reports have indicated Ostallos Siziba, who belongs to the Chamisa faction, got wind of Biti’s maneuvers to try and block Chimbiri’s promotion. Siziba then alerted Chamisa that the Maruva cabal was lining one of their members, Mashonaland Central provincial member Patricia Chigwade, to take up the NEC position. Reports are that besides Chigwade being a member of the Maruva cabal, she is also Sithole’s girlfriend.
Irked by Maruva cabal’s maneuvers, Chamisa then swiftly elevated Chimbiri to his position without consulting other members, even his deputies. Chamisa further directed one of his deputies, Lynnette Karenyi Kore, to ignore any appointments that were made by Hwende, Welshman Ncube or Biti.
Another source further said that Chimbiri might have been elevated to the position as she is also a girlfriend to one of the National Standing Committee member. The source added that positions in the CCC are now reserved for girlfriends of leaders saying that it is worrying that as a movement, they are now prioritizing sexual pleasures at the expense of the movement.
Some have also said that Cecilia Chimbiri was handpicked by Chamisa and imposed on the position following a controversial Fadzai Mahere backed resolution by the NEC that more women should be promoted to ensure gender parity. It was then resolved that Chimbiri should be elevated to the position of youth commander without the approval of other NEC members.
Sithole has since joined a western funded Non-Governmental Organization; Trust Africa to study for his Masters Degree in International Relations in USA after being fired from the Party in 2021.
