This comes amid a long-standing leadership dispute within
the CCC faction as Tshabangu's claims of authority are being disputed by
opposition party leaders.
It has emerged that some desperate legislators are paying
Tshabangu to remain in Parliament or to be appointed to influential positions
by the unpopular leader.
Tshabangu has been at the centre of controversy,
orchestrating recalls of CCC legislators on accusation that they have ceased to
be party members.
The recall of elected legislators and councillors resulted
in former party leader Nelson Chamisa ditching the party citing infiltration by
Zanu PF.
Tshabangu fired party leaders from various posts in
Parliament reportedly appointing legislators amenable to his whims.
His latest victims include notable figures — Chikanga
legislator Lynette Karenyi-Kore, who was fired as the Leader of the House in
the National Assembly and replaced by Sunningdale legislator Maureen
Kademaunga.
Edwin Mushoriwa, who was the chief whip, was also removed
in the reshuffle.
In an interview with NewsDay yesterday, the CCC faction
spokesperson Willas Madzimure dismissed Tshabangu’s purported reshuffle saying
it was not a party decision.
“It is not necessary, but because someone wants to flex
their muscles, they make those unilateral decisions. We did not get any reason
why those people were demoted.
“There are other serious and pressing issues that we should
be focusing on, not this child's play. I thought some of the people appointed
to these positions must use common sense,” he said.
Madzimure revealed that some party members were buying
positions in and outside Parliament.
“There is money at play,” he said. “Money is exchanging
hands in a very serious manner. I am talking about large sums of money here.
“It is not by merit that they are taking those positions.
Some people are paying to assume those positions.
“Kuti ahh ndoda kumbonzwa kuti chigaro ichi chinoita sei,
then they pay money and are appointed. You remove Mai Kore as senior as she is
— does that make sense? They are buying
and selling positions.”
The opposition faction is yet to decide on Tshabangu’s
actions.
“We are making some considerations to see how we can deal
with the issue. But we know that no more recalls are going to take place, even
the Speaker (Jacob) Mudenda knows that.
“But is it humane to keep your colleague on edge in
Parliament? Everytime there is a letter read in Parliament, you will be
thinking, it might be me who is being targeted this time.
“You might have power now, notwithstanding how you got that
power, but we are all human. We are not immortal.”
He berated Tshabangu for imposing personal decisions on the
party.
“It is disheartening for people who worked hard to be in
Parliament only to recalled. Yes, some might have been selected through the
controversial bereka mwana process, but they worked hard to win the votes.
“They used their resources. In the end, that power will be
gone no matter who is celebrating that abuse of power. I was recalled twice.
“I know how it feels, but that will not stop me from
talking against what is bad. Why punish all these legislators? That is what we despise Zanu PF for, so you
cannot be doing the same.”
Tshabangu and Ncube have been at loggerheads over control
of the money allocated under the Political Parties Finance Act and other
issues.
Tshabangu yesterday referred NewsDay to his spokesperson
Nqobizitha Mlilo who was not picking calls. Newsday
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