Prominent commentators Pedzisai Ruhanya and Hopewell Chin’ono have renewed their public critique of opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, lambasting his reliance on popular support and spirituality, rather than on tangible political structures and strategic alliances.
Once known for their support of Chamisa, the pair have become vocal critics, faulting his “strategic ambiguity” and arguing that only well-crafted alliances could secure a victory in 2028.
Ruhanya and Chin’ono’s ongoing criticism follows their outspoken disapproval of Chamisa’s approach during and after the 2023 Harmonised General Elections, where they pointed to his lack of structured leadership and emphasis on prayer over strategy as weaknesses. According to them, Chamisa’s avoidance of coalition-building and structured opposition left him vulnerable, ultimately leading to his exit from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) amid mounting pressure.
However, with Chamisa currently taking a hiatus from the political scene, many have questioned the continued focus on him by Chin’ono and Ruhanya, urging the two to redirect their energy. Instead of critiquing Chamisa, some suggest that they should focus on uniting existing opposition leaders like Welshman Ncube, Job Sikhala, Jacob Ngarivhume, and others who might benefit from the duo’s political insights.
Critics argue that rather than maintaining their stance as “armchair strategists,” Chin’ono and Ruhanya might consider forming their own political party to implement their vision for uniting the opposition. With their consistent advice and a proposed President-Vice President dynamic, some contend that this approach would allow them to put their political theories into practice while leaving Chamisa to pursue his own path.
Ultimately, as Zimbabwe’s opposition landscape continues to shift, Ruhanya and Chin’ono’s relentless critique of Chamisa may do little to strengthen the opposition.
