By Staff Reporters
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed allegations that he received money from Zanu PF to remain silent over the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), saying his political record demonstrates his consistent opposition to the ruling party.
Speaking during an interview with Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga while on a visit to the United Kingdom, Chamisa described the allegations as propaganda being spread by his political detractors.
“Who has been fighting against its enactment, and to what extent did they succeed? And how have I fought them? So, you must also be very clear that at times don’t listen too much to failed people who sell you their failed and soiled propaganda about Nelson Chamisa,” he said.
Chamisa challenged critics to identify anyone who had mounted a more effective challenge against President Emmerson Mnangagwa than he had.
“Who has fought Mnangagwa and succeeded better than I have done? I defeated Mnangagwa twice in 2018, courtesy of the citizens, and 2023. And nobody has done that. Nobody has that record. So how do they then come and say they are better off?” he said.
He also questioned claims that he had “sold out” to the same leader whom he accuses of denying him electoral victories.
“And the man I defeated, and the man who has taken everything away from me, is the man I have sold out to? But of course, people can say whatever they want to say. My record speaks for itself. That’s why people have confidence in us. They know that we are consistent,” Chamisa said.
The former opposition leader insisted that throughout his three decades in politics he had never accepted financial inducements from Zanu PF.
“For the three decades I’ve been in this fight and in the trenches, I’ve never taken a cent from Zanu PF. Zanu haidyirwi musaga seshuga (you cannot secretly dine with Zanu PF). You must understand that. When Zanu bribes you, they will advertise you,” he said.
“And those who have taken money from Zanu know. But for me to be accused when I have scars and wounds because of this tyranny and dictatorship is regrettable. But of course, it comes from my detractors who have never supported us.”
Chamisa argued that the allegations were intended to weaken the bond between him and his supporters.
“So yes, they will always say that because they hope that they will detach us from the people. But we’re not in people’s minds or people’s lips, we are in people’s hearts. We can’t be taken away from the people’s hearts,” he said.
His remarks come amid continuing debate within Zimbabwe’s opposition over strategy and leadership following the enactment of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. Critics of the amendment argue that it consolidates executive power, while the government maintains it is intended to strengthen governance and improve the country’s constitutional framework.
-NewZim
