Three Masvingo City Councillors are facing possible recall after being accused of backing an independent candidate believed to be aligned with former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, highlighting deepening divisions within Zimbabwe’s opposition politics.
The councillors, Esther Zishiri, Alaica Time, and Bernad Muchokwa are said to have supported Struggle Nyahunda, an independent candidate in the Ward 7 by-election, who is widely regarded as close to Chamisa.
The recall move is believed to have been initiated by allies of Sengezo Tshabangu, the interim secretary-general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), who has tightened his grip on the party’s structures. Tshabangu’s camp views support for Nyahunda as an act of rebellion, accusing the councillors of defying party directives.
Reports suggest that formal recall letters have already been served, though the matter still awaits official discussion. Political analysts say the councillors’ future now hangs in the balance, with their loyalties under heavy scrutiny.
The vulnerability of Zishiri and Time is particularly stark, as they entered council under the party’s proportional representation quota system, not direct election, making them easier targets for recall.
Masvingo Mayor Alec Tabe distanced the local authority from the issue, stressing that recalls are purely a party process, not a municipal one.
When approached, Kamuzonda reportedly behind the recall letters declined to comment, referring questions to CCC’s national leadership, which remains deeply divided.
