Staff Reporter
The leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Nelson Chamisa, is under scrutiny following allegations of misappropriating campaign funds intended for the 9 December 2023 by-elections.
Accusations have surfaced that Chamisa redirected the funds to personal use and only used some of it to pay paltry allowances to those polling agents who were aligned with him during the 23 August 2023 Harmonised General Elections, sparking controversy within the party.
Members of the CCC have expressed their disappointment and outrage at Chamisa’s actions.
"It's disheartening to see funds meant for the elections and the well-being of the party being used for personal agendas. This is not what our party stands for,” a CCC member who preferred anonymity stated.
The same member said that Chamisa’s primary focus might be to consolidate his power rather than the success of the party in the upcoming by-elections.
Another party member voiced concerns over Chamisa's alleged betrayal of the party's values.
“Chamisa's behaviour is reminiscent of the old guard we oppose. He seems to be using party resources for personal enrichment without being accountable,” the member added.
These allegations arose amid existing financial challenges within the CCC, including internal factionalism and difficulties in fundraising for the upcoming by-elections slated for next Saturday.
A source disclosed that, in an attempt to address the financial shortfall, CCC Bulawayo Mayor, who also CCC interim Treasurer, David Coltart recently called for donations from Zimbabwean businesspeople and the diaspora community.
The aim was to raise USD$6 000 to finance the campaign trail ahead of the 9 December 2023 by-elections, after the initial amount was misappropriated by Chamisa.
However, due to growing scepticism stemming from the allegations of fund misappropriation within CCC, Coltart's efforts only yielded USD$600, falling significantly short of the target.
The source said that the reluctance of well-wishers to contribute financially is attributed to their awareness of Chamisa’s alleged mismanagement of funds.
Amid these developments, Chamisa’s leadership is increasingly being viewed as a liability to that party, especially as the by-elections approach.
Chamisa had previously faced criticism in 2022 when he was pressured to account for US$122 300 donated by sympathizers. The funds were intended for the purchase of a bulletproof off-road vehicle for his protection, but he failed to account for the same.
He also failed to account for the funds raised to cover the legal costs for his 2018 election petition. The funds were not directed to party coffers but to his personal foundation, where no one could request him to account for them.
