By Panashe Kaseke
Several members of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) have defected to the ruling ZANU PF party. The defections, which occurred in St Mary’s Ward 5, Chitungwiza, were accompanied by a public burning of CCC regalia and the attendance of high-ranking ZANU PF officials.
Among the defectors was Winnie Chiwundura, the former CCC chairwoman for St Mary’s Ward 5. Chiwundura and her group cited dissatisfaction with CCC’s leadership and a lack of progress as their reasons for leaving the opposition party.
The defections were celebrated by ZANU PF, with party officials emphasizing the inclusive nature of their governance under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The ruling party also highlighted growing disillusionment within CCC ranks as evidence of their own popularity.
In an interview with Bustop TV, Norbert Jinjika, ZANU PF’s Secretary General for Harare Province and shadow St Mary’s constituency Member of Parliament, warmly welcomed the defectors and highlighted ZANU PF’s inclusive approach under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We, through our Chairman for Harare Province, Cde G. Masimirembwa, would like to warmly welcome the returning members to the ruling party, ZANU PF,” Jinjika said. “In line with our President’s mantra of ‘leaving no one and no place behind,’ we thank you for remembering your roots.”
Jinjika also urged ZANU PF members to engage with opposition supporters in their communities and encourage them to return to the party.
“We urge all of us to continue engaging opposition members so that we can build the country together,” he said. “All those in the opposition are our relatives and neighbors, living in the same homes and communities. Let’s speak to them kindly, and they will return.”
Winnie Chiwundura, who served as CCC chairwoman for St Mary’s Ward 5, spoke on behalf of the defectors, explaining their reasons for leaving the opposition.
“As your children, we have come in numbers,” she said. “We are 20 women from Ward 5, and we have been noticing the good work being done by Honorable Jinjika. We have decided to follow the party. We have joined today, and others are still coming.”
Chiwundura also cited frustrations with CCC’s leadership, alleging a lack of direction and meaningful change.
“We had hoped for real change, but CCC has failed to deliver,” she said. “We can no longer align ourselves with a party that is not serious about addressing the people’s needs.”
The defectors, including Ruth Mudzeka, Magret Mupariwa, Susan Jimu, Juliet Chiwundura, Zviedzo Chiwundura, Greater Hakata, Francisca Nyamandi, Marvelous Tizai, Panashe Nsingo, Precious Radza, Tinotenda Vashe, Melody Ngavaseke, Knowledge Shumbamhini, Jeanet Trunk, and Juliet Chipiyo, gathered in St Mary’s Ward 5. There, they ceremoniously set ablaze their yellow party regalia, including t-shirts, caps, and overalls. Onlookers watched as flames consumed the CCC symbols, marking what many called the ultimate rejection of the opposition party’s ideology.
