HARARE – Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has assured his supporters that he is “not idle” and is actively “consulting” and “building” a new political strategy following his departure from the opposition party in January 2024.
Chamisa, who stepped down from the CCC claiming the party had been infiltrated by the ruling Zanu-PF, expressed gratitude to his followers for their sustained support since his presidential candidacy in 2018.
In a lengthy appreciation post, he asserted that despite facing a “tyranny held together by state abuse, repression, and coercion,” the “seed of change has been sown” and “the harvest has been delayed, but it cannot be denied.”
He reiterated his belief that supporters “won in numbers” in both the 2018 and 2023 elections, and their efforts were not in vain.
Chamisa noted that the approach in 2023 differed from 2018
“Our approach in 2023 was not the same as 2018, because in the fight against oppression, no strategy is cast in stone,” Chamisa stated.
“This is a battle to save lives and to save a nation. We sometimes miss. We sometimes omit. We commit. We adjust. We correct. We keep moving forward until we win. And to win we must.”
Highlighting the diverse contributions of his supporters, Chamisa acknowledged those who fundraised, campaigned door-to-door, and attended rallies, noting the “tragic trend” of politically motivated violence that has affected activists.
“Some of you spent sleepless nights fundraising on Twitter Spaces, even raising funds from the citizens. What a remarkable citizen’s story and achievement!
“Zimbabweans at home and abroad have consistently and in different ways supported the struggle for freedom and change in Zimbabwe,” Chamisa stated.
“Others knocked on doors, campaigned from house to house, or travelled long distances to attend our rallies. Many of our brave comrades were beaten, jailed, or lost to politically motivated violence, a tragic trend that has ugly characterised our politics over the years.
“We are a nation of great fighters, great warriors. We are a people of faith, but not faith in word only. Ours is a faith backed by action. We win through prayer, but also through planning and acting.
“We win on our knees, but also in diplomacy, advocacy and on the ground. Your support, spiritual, financial, physical, has kept the hope alive.”
In a statement regarding his future political endeavors, Chamisa declared, “I left CCC but not the mission.”
“I want you to know; I am not idle. I am consulting. I am building. I am assembling a new strategy and a citizens’ team that will carry and pivot this nation unto greatness and stardom.
“I left CCC but not the mission. All because CCC was never the destination. It was just the vehicle meant to take us to New Zimbabwe. When that vehicle was compromised, it became necessary to step out and prepare a better, cleaner, fit-for-purpose vehicle.
“I’m a man on a mission. I’m a soldier on an assignment. Mine is a calling.”
In August 2023, Chamisa lost the presidential election for the second time to Zanu-PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa. The plebiscite, which was marred by allegations of voter manipulation, rigging and intimidation of voters, was widely condemned by both internal and external observers.
Chamisa, who lost with 44% against Mnangagwa’s 52.6%, refused to endorse the election result.
After the polls, Sengezo Tshabangu, a controversial opposition figure emerged claiming to be the Secretary General of the CCC, recalling MPs and councillors aligned to Chamisa. In the process, Tshabangu installed himself as a Senator and leader of the opposition in Parliament.
He was assisted by the State apparatus, including the judiciary and Parliament.
Consequently, Chamisa dumped the party in January 2024. CCC was formed by Chamisa himself in 2022.
