BULAWAYO – The Zimbabwe African People’s Union (Zapu) has denied claims by self-proclaimed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary general, Zengezo Tshabangu he was in talks with the opposition party’s leader Sibangilizwe Nkomo and sister Thandiwe Nkomo over the possible formation of a government of national unity with Zanu PF.
In a scathing statement Thursday, Zapu national spokesperson Richard Gandari accused Tshabangu of “glaring lies” over the claims.
He said Tshabangu and Sibangilizwe Nkomo only met briefly at a traditional function in Nkayi on April 7 and did not go beyond merely exchanging pleasantries.
Gandari described Tshabangu as a “radioactive entity” who was desperate for political relevance.
“The truth of the matter is that our president, Cde Sibangilizwe Nkomo, casually met Mr Tshabangu by chance, during Chief Dakamela’s traditional function in Nkayi on the 7th of April, 2024.
“It was a mere handshake and photo opportunity on Mr Tshabangu’s request.
“Out of civil courtesy and ubuntu, president Nkomo obliged and spent at most a couple of minutes interacting with Mr Tshabangu.
“We believe Mr Tshabangu is a drowning man, desperate to clutch at any straws for personal survival and political relevance,” said Zapu.
Despite evident lack of ground support, Tshabangu, now a CCC senator, is leader of a party faction.
He broke onto the public domain October last year when he ordered recalls on dozens of CCC MPs and councillors he claimed were imposed into the positions by former party leader Nelson Chamisa.
