Chamisa reflects on struggle for new Zimbabwe amid criticism of bible verses
HARARE – Zimbabwean opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has shared his thoughts on what he views as an ongoing struggle for a better Zimbabwe, acknowledging the challenges and frustrations that come with fighting for change amid criticism of his constant posting of bible verses on social media.
In a statement, the former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader who quit the party in January this year, recognised the difficulties of standing up for what is right, citing the long and tough journey that he and others have endured.
He noted that some individuals have fallen by the wayside, while others have become disillusioned or exhausted.
Chamisa identified various reasons why some people may lose momentum or direction in the struggle, including disappointment, depression, and frustration.
He also pointed out that some individuals may be motivated by personal gain or a desire for power rather than a genuine commitment to creating positive change.
“Over time, a lot happens. Some fall by the wayside, some go offside yet very few remain onside and inside,” he said.
“Some get genuinely tired, exhausted and or get too old, yet can’t let go.
“Some are disappointed, depressed and frustrated at the delay in quick results.
“Some may resort to finger pointing and blame game as a post-election dissonance and frustration coping mechanism,” Chamisa wrote.
Despite these challenges, Chamisa expressed pride in being part of a group of individuals who remain committed to the struggle for a better Zimbabwe. He cited that the fight for justice and equality is never easy, but ultimately leads to victory.
Chamisa’s statement comes at a time when he is being accused by his critics of being weak by failing to lead a formidable opposition to confront the ruling Zanu-PF.
Last week, Ibbo Mandaza, a veteran academic and political analyst, publicly called for Chamisa to “step aside” and allow a new leadership to emerge.
Mandaza criticised Chamisa’s leadership, stating that he had demobilised the masses and served the interests of the State. He urged Chamisa to leave opposition politics, warning that if he doesn’t, he will be exposed.
“Go with your Godisinit and leave opposition politics now, to allow a new leadership,” he said, in reference to Chamisa’s frequent citation of religious themes on social media.
“As I have stated before, you have served the state well by systematically demobilizing the masses, a damn disgrace for which you will pay dearly. Declare your departure, or we expose you.”
Prominent journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also criticised Chamisa for continuously posting bible verses, saying, “This nonsense is now nauseating! You can’t keep repeating the same thing for 7 years while vana vakazara mumajeri.
“It is either you are meant to lead or you are not leadership material!” Chin’ono wrote.
Chamisa dumped the CCC in January this year, claiming that Zanu-PF and the state security machinery had infiltrated the party. He is yet to announce his next step.
UK based lawyer Brighton Mutebuka gave his analysis of the state of play, taking to X (Twitter) and writing;
“Only by resigning from CCC has Chamisa exposed the full extent of the infiltration that had taken place. Even then, as you continue to see, there are still infiltrators trying to hang onto his coat tails.
“Infiltrators run counter insurgency activities within the belly of the affected body. They perforate the institutional integrity & capacity of such bodies to mount meaningful anti-regime activities, including demos.
“It’s irrational to demand a demo from an infiltrated political organisation from a security & operational capacity standpoint. It’s doomed to fail catastrophically.
“There’s no point in demanding something that’s incapable of achieving the intended political objectives. There are sacred political fundamentals that must be put in place first or exist beforehand.
“Emotional outbursts are not equal to sound political judgment or an effective strategy,” Mutebuka added.
