Chamisa marks birthday with reflection on 28 years opposing dictatorship in Zimbabwe

HARARE – Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa says he has spent 28 of his 48 years actively engaged in national duty, public service and what he described as citizens’ assignments, opposing oppression and dictatorship for most of his youth and adult life.

In a message shared on Thursday while acknowledging birthday messages from supporters, Chamisa reflected on his long political journey, saying his commitment to public service has been sustained by what he called an outpouring of public support, encouragement and solidarity.

“I have been in this world for 48 years, and of these, 28 have been actively dedicated to national duty, public service, and citizens’ assignments, opposing oppression and dictatorship for almost my entire youth and adult life,” Chamisa said.

He described the messages he received as gifts of encouragement, wisdom, prayer and counsel, adding that public support continues to strengthen him.

“What fortifies and strengthens me is your unparalleled outpouring of love and the multiplicity of gifts you have sent me…gifts of encouragement, of wisdom and insight, of warmth and solidarity, of counsel, of best wishes, of prayers, but, more importantly, the gift of life itself.

“You continue to lift my hands, being that dependable support system. You are the winds to my wings.

“Birthdays are a reminder to celebrate life and the One who gave it, God Almighty. They are moments to pause, reflect, and take stock of our gains and pains, our hits and misses,” Chamisa stated.

Chamisa also framed his birthday as a moment for reflection, saying life itself is a divine gift rather than a personal achievement.

The remarks come as Chamisa has re-emerged on the political stage after nearly two years away from frontline politics.

Last week, he announced what he termed Agenda 2026, a broad-based citizens’ movement aimed at mobilising Zimbabweans for political change and challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Speaking at a recent press briefing, Chamisa said Zimbabwe was facing a crisis of governance characterised by disputed elections, economic decline, corruption and institutional decay.

He said his decision to re-engage followed a period of reflection after stepping aside from active leadership of the CCC in 2024 amid internal party turmoil.

Chamisa has indicated that his renewed political engagement will be accompanied by public reflections throughout February, during which he says he will outline his journey and clarify his political direction.

He has repeatedly insisted that his continued involvement in politics is driven by a sense of duty to citizens rather than personal ambition, describing his actions as a response to what he calls a national and patriotic obligation.