Political Reporter
Former University of Zimbabwe lecturer and prominent opposition activist, Pedzisai Ruhanya, has ignited a storm of controversy following his scathing criticism of opposition legislators elected in last year's polls.
Writing on his X (formerly known as Twitter) page last week, Ruhanya described opposition legislators as "a mount of hopeless wannabes."
"Give me five opposition MPs who could have been ministers if Nelson Chamisa had won and why. This is not to say ZANU PF is better, but the alternative is a mount of hopeless wannabes, gigantic, nonsensical busy bodies driven by social media likes,” said Ruhanya.
However, some opposition legislators did not hold back their disdain for Ruhanya, whom they described as an adversary masquerading as a supporter of the opposition movement.
"Ruhanya's attack on us is not just baseless but harmful. He portrays himself as an advocate for change, yet all he does is sow division and doubt among those fighting for democracy," one legislator said.
Another legislator was more direct in addressing Ruhanya's comments, suggesting that he should channel his energies into constructive political engagement rather than undermining those in the trenches.
"If Ruhanya believes he can do better, I challenge him to step into the political arena and prove it. Criticising from the sidelines is easy; winning hearts and elections is the real battle," the legislator stated, questioning Ruhanya's motives and integrity.
The same legislator added that "Ruhanya is a man of questionable character, swayed more by monetary gains than principles. His critique is not of concern to us; his motivations are as transparent as his lack of loyalty to any cause but his own."
In an even more scathing retort, another opposition legislator from Bulawayo accused Ruhanya of suffering from bipolar disorder, suggesting his critiques were not rooted in a genuine desire for opposition success but rather in personal vendettas and self-interest.
"Ruhanya's actions are those of someone who is not a true activist but a mercenary of discord. His accusations are as unfounded as they are motivated by self-serving interests," said the legislator.
Efforts to reach Ruhanya for a comment were unsuccessful, as his contact numbers were unreachable.
However, Ruhanya's criticisms have exposed fissures within the opposition, raising questions about the path forward for those advocating for change in Zimbabwe.
