During a press conference held at the SAPES Trust Offices in Harare, advocate Job Sikhala, a popular Zimbabwean politican officially resigned from Sengezo Tshabangu’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party and declared his intention to form a new political movement soon. Sikhala stated that he will convene a National People’s Democratic Convention to chart the way forward.
The decision to leave the CCC was motivated by Sikhala’s dissatisfaction with the direction of the party under the leadership of Vice Presidents Tendai Biti and Professor Welshman Ncube, and Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu. Sikhala believes that the CCC has been captured by ZANU PF, the ruling party. The press conference was attended by notable figures such as former MDC National Chairperson Morgen Komichi, ambassadors, and members of the media.
There is speculation about whether Komichi will join Sikhala’s new political party. Sikhala also revealed his plans to engage in consultations to establish a broad-based citizen movement that actively participates in Zimbabwean politics. He intends to hold a convention to formalize the formation of this new movement. However, Sikhala declined to answer questions from journalists during the press conference.
Commentator Dorothy Masuka believes that Sikhala’s new party could pave the way for him to become the next president. Rumors about Sikhala’s intention to start his own political party have been circulating since his recent release from prison. Some people in Zimbabwe had already anticipated this move.
A political analyst noted that Sikhala’s political career received a boost through the MDC Alliance under the late President Morgan Tsvangirai. It was within the MDC Alliance that Sikhala became a member of parliament in 2018. However, following the press conference, many of Sikhala’s former supporters distanced themselves from him and aligned themselves with President Chamisa and his party. This indicates the end of their solidarity with Sikhala upon his release from prison.
An anonymous opppsition parliamentarian, who had been actively involved in Sikhala’s court cases, prison visits, and fundraising efforts, criticized Sikhala’s decision to form a new party, calling it a serious political blunder. This parliamentarian expressed a lack of support for Sikhala and predicted that only a few people would follow him.
The question remains whether Sikhala has the political capital necessary to challenge President Chamisa, ZANU PF, and other parties. Only time will reveal the answer. Currently, President Chamisa enjoys widespread support from Zimbabwean citizens, and the launch of his highly anticipated political party is expected soon.
