Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has distanced itself from reports that it has recalled Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and three Members of Parliament, saying the letters purporting to effect the recalls were not issued by the party leadership.
In a statement, CCC spokesperson Nqobizitha Mlilo said the purported recalls had no factual, political or legal basis and did not represent the party’s position.
The correspondence, which is circulating in the public domain, was allegedly delivered to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Senate President Mabel Chinomona and the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe.
The letters purported to initiate the recall of the named public representatives.
“The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has noted with concern correspondence currently circulating in the public domain and seemingly delivered to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda; the President of the Senate, Hon. Mabel Chinomona; and the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, MP.
“We wish to state that these purported recalls have no factual, political, or legal basis. They do not represent the position of the Citizens Coalition for Change,” said Mr Mlilo.
He said the party’s current focus was on reconstruction, institutional renewal and strengthening its structures, adding that recalls were not part of the leadership’s preferred approach to political disagreements.
He added that the party’s governance framework was anchored on consensus-building, institutional cohesion and stability.
Mlilo said preliminary internal investigations had identified individuals behind the correspondence, accusing them of seeking to use recalls to coerce elected officials into declaring allegiance to certain individuals.
He further said that the move was intended to destabilise the party after the individuals concerned failed to secure compliance from public representatives.
The party said the conduct could amount to contempt of court and that its legal counsel had been engaged to advise on the appropriate course of action.
Mlilo said the legal advice would guide the political and administrative measures the party would take to address the matter.
He reassured the party’s public representatives and other stakeholders that those serving their constitutional mandates should continue with their duties without fear.
“Their tenure remains secure up to at least 2030,l, the party leadership remains focused on nation-building, administrative excellence and constructive engagement and would not be distracted by individuals pursuing narrow personal interests,” said Mr Mlilo.
