By A Correspondent| Controversial Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu has drawn criticism after appearing to give … Continue reading "Tshabangu Praises Mnangagwa’s Second Republic, Calls For Constructive Criticism"
By A Correspondent| Controversial Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu has drawn criticism after appearing to give credit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for developments in Zimbabwe, while urging opposition supporters to abandon what he described as blanket condemnation of the ruling administration.
In a lengthy statement on Tuesday, Tshabangu argued that opposition politics should not amount to rejecting every initiative undertaken by the government, a position likely to fuel further debate within an already fractured opposition landscape.
“Today, I wish to address an issue that I believe is of paramount importance to the economic and social development of our nation,” Tshabangu said.
He said opposition parties should be capable of recognising developments that benefit citizens, even when such projects are being implemented by a government they oppose.
“We must be able to distinguish between constructive criticism and criticism for the sake of opposing everything the Government does,” he said.
Tshabangu specifically praised renovations taking place at Sally Mugabe Hospital, saying he had recently visited the institution and witnessed what he described as significant modernisation work.
He said the renovations were being undertaken by PREVAIL INTERNATIONAL, which he said was reportedly associated with Zanu PF Central Committee member Paul Tungwarara.
“I was struck by the transformation taking place at the facility,” Tshabangu said, adding that he subsequently contacted Tungwarara to express his appreciation.
The remarks are likely to raise eyebrows among opposition supporters who expect the opposition to maintain a harder line against Mnangagwa’s administration, particularly over the country’s economic difficulties, public service delivery failures and allegations surrounding governance and accountability.
Although Tshabangu attempted to balance his praise with calls for scrutiny, his acknowledgement of government achievements could be interpreted as softening the opposition’s stance towards the Second Republic.
He said opposition leaders should question how projects are funded, procured and sustained instead of simply dismissing them because they are associated with the ruling party.
“Appreciation should come with scrutiny,” Tshabangu said.
He went further to argue that the government should rehabilitate hospitals and clinics across the country instead of celebrating isolated infrastructure projects.
“If the Zanu Government wants the opposition to recognise and support its development agenda, then it must go further,” he said.
Tshabangu also cited road construction, economic stabilisation efforts, infrastructure modernisation and the construction of the new Parliament building as areas where opposition politicians should acknowledge progress.
“That said, it would be intellectually dishonest for us in the opposition to ignore developments that are genuinely positive,” he said.
However, critics could argue that such an approach risks blurring the critical role of the opposition, particularly in a country where citizens continue to demand answers over economic hardships, public services and the management of national resources.
Tshabangu insisted that opposition politics should instead focus on accountability and alternative solutions.
“Opposition politics should not mean opposing everything. It should mean holding those in power accountable, offering alternative solutions and ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of ordinary citizens,” he said.
His statement comes against the backdrop of continued divisions and disputes within Zimbabwe’s opposition politics, with Tshabangu himself remaining a controversial figure following the bitter leadership and recall battles that have plagued the CCC.
While he framed his position as a call for mature and constructive opposition politics, his willingness to openly commend initiatives associated with Mnangagwa’s government is likely to intensify scrutiny over his political positioning.
Tshabangu concluded by calling for a less partisan approach to national development.
“Zimbabwe belongs to all of us, and whenever something genuinely benefits its people, we should have the courage to say so, regardless of who is in power,” he said.
