By Wezhira Munya*
In a significant show of unity, 88 members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) aligned with Honourable Jameson Timba have confirmed their attendance for a parliamentary caucus meeting scheduled for today at 10 AM. The meeting will take place both in person and via a virtual platform, as stated by Honourable Agency Gumbo, the Secretary of Legal Affairs. More pro Timba members of parliament are expected to attend this meeting.
The list of confirmed attendees includes notable parliamentarians such as Honourable Agency Gumbo, Honourable N. Ndlovu, Honourable S. Hamauswa, Honourable Hlatyayo, Honourable Martin Mureri, Honourable Senator Chakabuda, Honourable T. Ngadziore, Honourable Kuka, and Honourable R. Makumire, Honourable G. Hlatywayo among others. This assembly aims to solidify their collective stance and discuss critical issues facing the party and the nation. Hon. Timba’s CCC Gumbo wrote on the attached memo to this article, that, “No apologies will be accepted as this caucus meeting is both physical and virtual.” This was done to curb the system of some members of parliament who double dip in both Timba and Tshabangu’s camps.
In contrast, a leaked attendance registration suggests that only 11 members, including Sengezo Tshabangu, Sam Chapfudza, Charles Moyo, and Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa, have confirmed participation in a separate meeting led by Tshabangu. The low turnout of Team Tshabangu raises questions about the level of support for his faction.
Both factions will reveal their final full lists of attendees after 10 AM today, marking the time when they will convene separately.
Adding tension to the situation, Charles Moyo, the Chief Whip of CCC aligned with Tshabangu, has reportedly threatened members of the parliamentary committees on International Trade, Industry, Commerce, and Foreign Affairs, Gender and Mines who are currently meeting in Bulawayo from 21 to 23 May 2025. His threats have particularly targeted female proportional representatives and senators, resulting in some leaving the Bulawayo meeting in fear. However, parliamentarians like Honourable Gladys Hlatywayo and Honourable Mureri have confirmed their intention to attend hon. Timba’s meeting virtually, despite being in Bulawayo.
The Timba-led faction of CCC is firmly opposed to the 2030 agenda promoted by Emmerson Mnangagwa. In contrast, Tshabangu is perceived as a proxy for ZANU PF, which has historically sought to publicly support Mnangagwa. Tshabangu has been accused of orchestrating the recall of CCC parliamentarians, proportional representatives, and councillors who were seen as supporters of President Nelson Chamisa, further consolidating ZANU PF’s power by allowing them to dominate parliamentary representation. Interestingly, after recalling CCC parliamentarians and councillors Tshabangu did not field candidates and thereby giving Zanu PF majority in paragraph and local government. In addition, after recalls Tshabangu imposed himself as senator and appointed his friends as proportional representatives and senators.
Tshabangu’s actions of supporting Mnangagwa have raised serious concerns among the electorate, many of whom have expressed dissatisfaction with Mnangagwa’s leadership and the fear of continued governance beyond his term limit in 2028.
In light of these developments, Honourable Agency Gumbo has issued an urgent notice to all members of parliament under Timba’s leadership:
*URGENT NOTICE*
“As a follow-up to our earlier communication regarding the CCC Parliamentary Caucus Meeting scheduled for today, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM, we wish to provide the following update:
The meeting will proceed as planned, and all MPs currently in Harare are required to attend physically at the designated venue, which will be communicated to those confirming attendance. Members currently engaged in parliamentary committee business outside Harare are encouraged to join via the virtual platform that has been arranged.
No apologies will be accepted as this is a hybrid meeting. Members wishing to attend virtually must contact Honourable Gladys Hlatywayo for the Zoom link. For those attending in person, please confirm with the leadership for venue details and directions.
This caucus is of utmost importance, especially in light of recent political developments in the country. Following a standing resolution of the Central National Assembly (CNA), party leadership will provide guidance during this meeting before transitioning to caucus business and resolutions regarding our path forward.
*Note:* All members are urged to recognize the significance the party leadership places on this caucus.
For further information, please contact:
– Honourable C. Hlatywayo
– Honourable N. Ndlovu
– Honourable S. Hamauswa
– Or the undersigned,
Honourable Agency Gumbo
[Legal & Parliamentary Affairs]
