CCC members defect to Zanu-PF

MORE than 100 disgruntled Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) members have defected to the ruling party Zanu- PF citing confusion and incompetence within the opposition party.

The members led by long-time Kwekwe City councillor for Ward 10, Alderman Aaron Gwalazimba, were officially welcomed to the ruling party by Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube during a ward campaign rally to drum up support for Ward 10 aspiring councillor Dr Solomon Matsa.

Cde Blessing Chebundo who was one of the first opposition members to dump the opposition party a few years ago, was also in attendance. He now leads the ruling party’s ‘Dzokai Kumusha, Buyani Ekhaya’ department.

In an interview, Alderman Gwalazimba said the opposition has nothing to offer.

“The CCC has lost its way in its quest to attain democracy. They have nothing to offer besides squabbling and fighting for positions hence the move to rejoin the ruling party,” said Alderman Gwalazimba.

Alderman Gwalazimba said he was always Zanu-PF at heart despite joining the MDC Alliance during its formation in 2017.

“I was secretary for transport for youths in the ruling party for many years before joining the MDC Alliance when it was formed. I think they have lost track and they should go back to the drawing board of what they want to achieve,” he said.

Alderman Gwalazimba said they are throwing their weight behind Dr Matsa who is vying for the council seat in the ward.

Asked if he would take any position in the party, Alderman Gwalazimba said “I’m not here for positions, however as a civil leader, I will not hesitate to take any leadership role if offered.”

An opposition stalwart popularly known as the Rebel Councillor during his tenure spanning from 2008 to 2018, Alderman Gwalazimba would disagree with fellow opposition councillors in support of Zanu-PF principles.

At one time, he openly voted for a Zanu-PF candidate, Cde John Mapurazi became deputy mayor dumping his own opposition candidate.

Minister Ncube appreciated the good work which is being done by Cde Chebundo under the ‘Dzokai Kumusha, Buyani Ekhaya ‘programme.

So far, over 250 000 opposition members have defected to Zanu-PF countrywide.

“I am happy to see Cde Gwalazimba who served as the opposition councillor for two terms in ward 10. He then defected from the opposition to come and join the revolutionary party Zanu-PF. We say welcome back home. Zanu-PF is home to everyone,” said Minister Ncube.

He urged the electorate to vote for Dr Matsa who has already proved his worth through several developmental projects that he is implementing in the ward.