Tshabangu targets journalist over Geneva speech
by MELUSI MHLANGA
BULAWAYO – SENATOR Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-declared secretary-general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has ignited fresh controversy after threatening to push for the cancellation of journalist Blessed Mhlanga’s passport over remarks made in Geneva on press freedom and democracy in Zimbabwe.
Mhlanga recently addressed delegates at the Geneva Summit, where he spoke about media freedoms, the rule of law and democratic conditions in Zimbabwe.
His speech drew sharp criticism from Tshabangu, who publicly declared: “I listened to @bbmhlanga speaking at the Geneva Summit, and I was deeply moved by his remarks. As an opposition politician and a Senator in the Parliament of Zimbabwe, I will raise a motion in the Senate urging the Government to cancel his passport. Patriotism must be upheld.”
Mhlanga rejected claims that he had addressed only Western audiences, responding: “For the record I did not just address the west, I addressed you, my government and the entire world. Zimbabwe’s diplomatic relations are not limited to the West. Please take note.”
The dispute has revived scrutiny of Tshabangu’s controversial political trajectory.
In 2023, he unilaterally recalled dozens of CCC Members of Parliament and councillors, triggering by-elections that significantly reduced the opposition’s parliamentary strength.
The recalls reshaped the balance of power in Parliament, benefiting the ruling ZANU-PF party by weakening its main challenger.
Critics argue that Tshabangu’s actions fractured the opposition at a critical moment, undermining voter representation and consolidating ZANU-PF’s legislative dominance.
Tshabangu’s legitimacy within the CCC has been widely contested.
Senior party figures have repeatedly distanced themselves from him, describing his recalls as unlawful and accusing him of acting without constitutional authority.
His moves were seen by many analysts as having effectively destabilised the opposition from within, leading to accusations that he had aided ZANU-PF’s parliamentary agenda.
The passport threat has further inflamed public debate. Social media users openly questioned Tshabangu’s opposition credentials.
Dulani Maxwell wrote: “Point of correction, you (Tshabangu) aren’t opposition. Secondly Mhlanga is a Zimbabwean citizen who should enjoy freedom of speech and association. The very same way we let you hijack the people’s struggle (CCC) and sold it for 10 pieces of silver.”
Tsono Tabhoga added: “Blind loyalty to a leader is not Patriotism. Patriotism is a devotion to one country, fighting for principles like justice and freedom. Blessed narrated his ordeal, his experience and what is happening now,” while Wilbert Kranos remarked: “Unless the word opposition has a different meaning. You are more than ZANU-PF itself.”
Nicholas Gova commented: “The unelected ZANU-PF Chabangu you are about to prove him (Mhlanga) correct as usual,” and Brian Teputepu questioned: “Opposition politician??? you sir? Listen to even what you are proposing…”
The episode underscores intensifying tensions over free expression in Zimbabwe and deepening divisions within the opposition, as debate continues over patriotism, accountability and democratic space.
