A HEATED debate has unfolded on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), as political analysts and supporters of former opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa clashed over his political future and its implications on the opposition movement in Zimbabwe.
Chamisa resigned as CCC president on January 24, sparking widespread criticism, with some political analysts labelling him “a coward” for fleeing the political scene amid internal turmoil.
The firebrand opposition politician stated in his resignation letter that he could not, “in good conscience remain part of a party that has been so blatantly betrayed by its own leaders”.
His reason for quitting was that self-imposed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu had hijacked the movement for personal gain and derailed the struggle for change.
Since his departure from the political spotlight, Chamisa has maintained a low-key presence, opting for subtle engagements on social media.
He has, through occasional posts on social media, continued to offer words of encouragement to his followers, assuring them that “God is in it” a phrase that has left many wondering about his future plans and the fate of the opposition movement.
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At the weekend, Zimbabwe hosted the 44th Sadc summit, which in its run-up saw the political scene being marred by controversy since June 16, with widespread condemnation of government crackdown on human rights activists and opposition party members.
The arbitrary arrests and torture by suspected State security agents sparked outrage, with some critics directing their anger towards Chamisa, arguing that his ambiguity in politics had weakened the opposition movement and made it difficult for citizens to fight for justice.
Chamisa recently posed a question on social media, asking if Sadc is “a community of values or a union of vices” and emphasising the need for the organisation to uphold ethical standards and values.
However, Zimbabwean political analyst and academic Ibbo Mandaza hit back at the opposition politician, bluntly ordering Chamisa to leave opposition politics to allow willing candidates a chance to lead.
“Go with your GodIsInIt and leave opposition politics now to allow a new leadership. As I have stated before, you have served the State well by systematically demobilising the masses a damn disgrace for which you will pay dearly,” Mandaza said.
He further ordered the former opposition party president to announce his departure or face exposure.
“Declare your departure or we expose you,” Mandaza fumed.
Mandaza also reaffirmed his position to NewsDay when contacted to comment on the outrage that had erupted against Chamisa.
He emphasised that he stood by his words on X.
“I have already said my bit on X yesterday evening (August 17)” Mandaza said.
Other supporters of Chamisa also aired their concerns on his post asking him the way forward.
Social justice activist Tendai Ruben Mbofana said the outrage by some of Chamisa’s supporters was justified.
He told NewsDay in a recent interview that many youths had placed their hope in Chamisa and what he stood for.
“Chamisa’s abrupt resignation from CCC came as a shock to the youths,” Mbofana said.”
“The other thing that became troubling was that he never proffered [an explanation] of what he was planning to do.”
He said Chamisa was supposed to be transparent if he had plans as he did in 2022 when he formed CCC after dumping the MDC Alliance leaving it in the hands of Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora.
Mbofana described Chamisa’s resignation as an act of cowardice.
“Chamisa should not behave like he is new to Zanu PF and its tricks.
“He knows how Zanu PF operates from the time he was a youth and student activist, so for him to throw his hands in frustration saying that opposition has been infiltrated and elections were rigged is an act of cowardice,” he said.
Commenting on some of Chamisa’s supporters who urged critics to leave him alone and not demand accountability, Mbofana said those were dictatorial tendencies.
He said one of the signs of a dictator is intolerance to criticism.
“Chamisa’s supporters have now shown that they also are similar to Zanu PF for failing to handle criticism,” Mbofana said.
“They should leave people to speak their minds and question Chamisa because he is the one who demonstrated to Zimbabweans that he can lead them. Not everyone is born to be a leader, but that does not mean we treat those who are as demigods.”