Controversy Stirs as Mnangagwa’s Spokesman Defends Opposition Leader Chamisa


Prominance Sinomusa Khumalo

George Charamba, Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, has sparked controversy by defending Nelson Chamisa, former opposition leader, against accusations of undermining opposition politics.

Social media is awash with messages from keyboard warriors who blame Nelson Chamisa for failing the masses politically.

This comes after an anticipated demonstration that was supposed to coincide with the just ended SADC Summit in Harare failed to materialize.

Expectations were that Chamisa was to hit the streets and lead demonstrators for what is perceived as a stolen election of August 2023.

Many Zimbabweans had pinned their hopes on the SADC block to overturn election results that were condemned by the bloc’s Electoral Observer Mission, SEOM.

Ever since the scathing report penned by observers led by Nevers Mumba of Zambia, the country went into political limbo. There was the decimation of the Citizens Coalition for Change, CCC, party by a self imposed interim Secretary General who recalled almost all Members of Parliament and Councilors who had gannered positions in the 2023 elections.

Chamisa resigned from the CCC party sighting infiltration by Zanu-PF and its agents.

Still, there are die hard Chamisa supporters who want the Advocate to form a party that he will so that they vote for him.

In the last election, the total votes that Chamisa garnered more votes compared to his party Candidates combined.

Ever since his resignation from CCC, Chamisa has taken to a softer stance on attacking his nemesis, President Mnanganwa and the ruling Zanu-PF party. Instead Chamisa has taken to quote Bible verses in his communication with his die-hard supporters.

This has infuriated many in different ranks. Top in the list, is academic Ibbo Mandaza assisted by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.

They espoused that Chamisa should have been in the lead to protest against Zanu-PF during the SADC Summit.

Then the two threatened to expose Chamisa as a Zanu-PF project if he did not declare his leave from active politics.

This sent the keyboard warriors on social media on overdrive.

Below is are extracts from a WhatsApp debate platform, National Dialogue Zimbabwe,

+44****3164: Zim needs a brave leader who is not afraid of blood shed
Not the Nkomo, Chamisa type of leaders,

+263 **1371: You nailed it!!!

+44***3164: Chamisa had a large following, he was just supposed to call people to march in the streets! And lead from the front

263 73****5084: Marching for what

+44 **3164: Protesting against the rigged election

+263 77 **1048: Chamisa reigned from CCC, but he can not handover his supporters to anyone. He left a gap in CCC, anyone can move to fill in that gap without asking or begging from Chamisa to do that. Considering the time Chamisa resigned by now there could have arisen someone to take the CCC over the CCC and led the demonstrations during the just ended SADC summit

+263 78 **3358: there was absolutely no reason to demonstrate during the SADC summit

+263 78****3358: If SADC didn’t see it necessary to call Emmerson to order, no amount of demonstrating from the citizens was going to force SADC’s hand.
Its a brotherhood thing

+263 77****1048: To those who blame Chamisa for not leading the demonstrations, such people like Hopewell, Ibo and the ordinary supporters in any media groups, why would they not takeover CCC or form their political parties and led from the front. Their plan was to see Chamisa being arrested, now the chap is wise and clever, akawonera the game plan. Kana avharirwa obaiwa injection sezvakaitwa Tsvangirai. Nada kuramba. Leave to lead God has his plan to remove it from the throne. Right now there is chaos in zanu, watch this space, a repeat of 2017 is on the horizon

+263 78****3358: Chamisa is a leader, people should be allowed to call to order or to be accountable. We have dealt with the issue musati mauya.

+263 77****0769: People who are attacking Chamisa are offside.How many oppositions party leaders are there in Zimbabwe the likes of Ncube,biti,promise ,to mention but a few.these are not being condemned ,an indication to give an impression of the strength that Chamisa still holding despite not being associated with known political party.it can not be therefore denied by anyone that Chamisa is still relevant to the Zimbabwean politics and most talked about when political subject is being discussed .

+263 78****3358: he is weak.. its not an attack, its a description of his person.. pathetic lier

There are many other such debates that have erupted in several other social media fora denigrating Nelson Chamisa. To such critics George Charamba respodend,

“This is crazy; why do you hold him responsible for voluntary incapacitation? Start your own opposition party!!!”

This unexpected support for Chamisa has raised eyebrows and sparked debate. Some speculate it may be a calculated attempt to drive a wedge between Chamisa and his supporters or create divisions within the opposition. Others believe it could be a genuine attempt to promote unity and dialogue.

“He abandoned the flock, after each and every f***up, he would take a stand achisimbisa, he has run out of words now…, all he says is Happy Sabbath.” Exclaimed a user on X.

But Charamba’s defense in Chamisa has been met with mixed reactions. Some have welcomed it, seeing it as a vindication of Chamisa’s efforts to bring about change in Zimbabwe.

Another X said,

“Right now some people still have hope because of his stupid messages of false hope.”

The development has sparked a wider conversation about the state of opposition politics in Zimbabwe, with some calling for greater unity and cooperation among opposition leaders to challenge the ruling party’s dominance. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear – Charamba’s defense of Chamisa has added a new layer of complexity to Zimbabwe’s intricate political landscape.

Zim GBC News©2024

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