By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
In a legal bombshell that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape leaving Welshman Ncube in a precaurios position, the High Court has ruled in favor of Sengezo Tshabangu, declaring his expulsion from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) unlawful and launching a scathing critique of the party’s internal disciplinary process.
This decision reveals troubling questions about the party’s leadership legitimacy and its adherence to its own constitution.
On April 11, 2025, Judge President Mary Zimba Dube wasted no time dismantling the CCC’s case against Tshabangu. The party, led by Professor Welshman Ncube, had expelled Tshabangu following a disciplinary hearing on February 12, where he was found guilty of violating party rules and disrespecting leadership. However, the court found that the very committee that orchestrated his dismissal had no legal authority to do so, as their terms of office expired in May 2024 without renewal.
Citing the party’s own constitution, Justice Dube lambasted the CCC’s internal procedures as “flawed” and “conducted without due legal care.” The ruling stated unequivocally that the appointments to the National Disciplinary Committee were “ultra vires” (beyond legal authority) and that the actions taken against Tshabangu were therefore “null and void.”
Tshabangu, who claims to be the interim Secretary General, pointed out that he was completely unaware of the appointments to the disciplinary committee and challenged Ncube’s power to appoint them at all.
“He’s rotating by himself as Acting President contrary to the provisions of the constitution,” Tshabangu asserted, directly questioning the legitimacy of the party’s so-called leadership.
The ruling also highlighted the CCC’s dismal legal maneuvers, emphasizing that their attempt to oppose the application was “clumsy” and riddled with procedural missteps, such as failing to file necessary documents in a timely manner. Judge Dube noted that the party’s defense was so poorly managed that it rendered the application effectively unopposed.
The court decision raises eyebrows regarding the leadership stability of the CCC, particularly for Professor Ncube. If the court is to be believed, his term has expired, leaving his entire authority hinged on the questionable legitimacy conferred by a committee no longer in power. In an Augmented Legal Reality, the question arises: Is Ncube a leader or merely a placeholder desperately clinging to power?
Furthermore, as Tshabangu revealed, he learned of his suspension through a haphazard social media post, suggesting that this entire saga could serve as a cautionary tale about the inner workings of the CCC. His subsequent notice lacked vital charges and failed to uphold procedural fairness—common themes that have plagued the party’s governance.
Tshabangu’s compelling arguments not only led to a favorable ruling for him but also laid bare the flaws in the CCC’s self-governance.
“Any decisions made since 27 May 2024 are deemed to have no legal force or effect,” the court proclaimed, shaking the very foundation of a party that claims to stand for justice and democracy.
Following this tumultuous ruling, the High Court also ordered the CCC to pay the costs of the suit, putting financial strain on a party already grappling with internal turmoil.
As tensions rise within the party and debates escalate over the troubled CC which has many splinters claiming to be the centre of power, it remains to be seen how the opposition outfit will navigate the days ahead. What is clear for now is Tshabangu has his political MOJO back and can strike the same way he did when he recalled several legislators post election 2023.