Nelson Chamisa, Zimbabwe’s embattled opposition leader, has issued a stark warning to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ruling Zanu PF party, vowing to “get the job done” despite what he describes as a history of being “cheated and betrayed.” This bold statement comes as Chamisa intensifies his engagements with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the lead-up to the regional body’s annual summit in August.
Chamisa’s recent remarks, delivered through a series of fiery tweets, follow his dramatic resignation as President of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in January. Chamisa had accused his former party of being “contaminated” and “hijacked” by government influence, a move that many interpreted as a sign of his renewed determination and resolve.
“The hazards of a dictatorship… It’s not easy to lead and run a political party in a dictatorship, especially without a budget and in an environment of extreme poverty. It’s even worse when this is all in a context of massive unemployment where some occupy public office opportunistically, mistaking citizens’ representation and deployment for employment. It’s a difficult environment. What an impossible task!! But then to serve is to sacrifice. Change must happen. The job will get done!” Chamisa tweeted, reflecting on the immense challenges of leading an opposition party under the current political regime.
Chamisa’s statement has resonated with many Zimbabweans, particularly those who have witnessed the ongoing struggles of the opposition in a political landscape heavily skewed in favor of the ruling party. His declaration that “A cheated and betrayed man who is rebuilding himself is a dangerous man” has fueled speculation about his future strategies and potential for effecting change.
The engagement with SADC has injected new energy into the political discourse. Chamisa has been pressing for SADC’s intervention, arguing that the 2023 elections were marred by significant irregularities. He maintains that the polls did not meet the standards for free, fair, and credible elections. Promise Mkwananzi, the CCC spokesperson, emphasized the importance of SADC’s role in facilitating a political resolution, stating, “It is our considered view that the coming of SADC into Zimbabwe is a welcome and rare opportunity to help foster a political solution to Zimbabwe’s challenges, restore legitimacy, and avert the deteriorating political situation.”
Chamisa’s resignation from the CCC came just five months after the contentious August 2023 elections, which were widely criticized by regional and international observers, including SADC and the African Union (AU). Although Chamisa garnered 44% of the vote, the election was marred by allegations of manipulation and irregularities, leading to accusations of “sabotage” from the ruling party.
Chamisa’s critics argue that his leadership led to deep fractures within the opposition, which may have inadvertently strengthened Mnangagwa’s hold on power. In his resignation letter, Chamisa accused the ruling party of attempting to undermine and corrupt the CCC.
Despite the challenges, Chamisa remains focused on the future. He has hinted at the formation of a new political party and plans to use the SADC Summit as a platform to rally support. “After this, I have the World Championships in Hungary coming up in December, so I’m hoping to build up to that,” he stated, indicating his long-term vision.
Chamisa’s resilience and optimism are evident in his recent tweets. “ZIMBABWE WILL ACHIEVE MORE THAN THIS… It is possible within our lifetime! Let’s make these Spaghetti roads a reality,” he declared, expressing hope for a better future. As the SADC Summit approaches, the potential for dialogue and resolution remains a key point of focus. Chamisa’s willingness to engage with the regional body, combined with growing international scrutiny of Mnangagwa’s government, could provide the necessary impetus for meaningful political reform and a more stable future for Zimbabwe.
In other news – Zimbabwean swimmer Weisthuizen excluded from Olympics
Zimbabwean swimmer Paige Van Der Weisthuizen was eliminated from the Olympics on Tuesday after finishing 25th out of 28 in the heats of the Women’s 100m freestyle. Her time of 58.19 seconds fell short of her personal best of 57.34 seconds, which meant she did not advance to the next round.
In a post-race interview, Weisthuizen, who qualified for the Olympics through a universal slot, expressed mixed feelings about her performance. “Being my first Olympics, I was nervous, knowing the whole country was counting on me does put a lot of pressure,” she said. Read More
