Political Reporter
Outspoken opposition politician Job Sikhala and former lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, Dr. Pedzisai Ruhanya are reportedly joining forces to form a new political movement.
Sources close to the situation suggest that this movement aims to challenge both the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), which Sikhala and Ruhanya believe have failed to represent the true aspirations of Zimbabweans.
A source who is privy to the clandestine discussions revealed that Sikhala and Ruhanya have been holding a series of discreet meetings, formulating plans to launch a movement that could potentially reshape opposition politics in Zimbabwe.
The movement, which is expected to be led by Sikhala, seeks to gather widespread support, drawing in people frustrated by the current opposition's lack of direction and effectiveness.
“The meetings are very secretive, but what is clear is that Sikhala and Ruhanya are determined to create an alternative political force. They both feel that the MDC and CCC have lost their influence and that there is a gap in the opposition that only they can fill,” the source said.
According to the source, both Sikhala and Ruhanya are of the view that the existing opposition parties have become obsolete and no longer reflect the needs or ambitions of the ordinary Zimbabwean.
“They have come to the conclusion that the opposition, as it stands, is effectively dead. They believe that through their leadership, they can resurrect the movement and make it relevant once again. They are positioning themselves as the leaders who can restore hope in the opposition’s ability to bring change,” the source added.
Sikhala is reportedly reaching out to key provincial and district leaders within the CCC in a bid to lure them into his new movement.
His aim is to build a strong foundation of leadership ahead of the official launch, which could see the new political entity formally branded as the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG).
“Sikhala is already making his move. He has been in contact with some CCC provincial and district leaders, trying to bring them on board. It’s a calculated effort to attract seasoned politicians into his camp before the formal announcement of the National Democratic Working Group,” the source confirmed.
According to the same source, Dr. Ruhanya has been earmarked for the vice presidency of the party, while prominent lawyer and activist Freddy Masarirevu is being lined up to take the influential role of secretary general.
Commenting on the developments, political analyst Calvin Chitsunge remarked, "If these plans materialise, the formation of the NDWG could significantly disrupt the political landscape. It has the potential to challenge both the MDC and CCC, fracturing opposition support even further while positioning itself as a revitalised and credible alternative. This movement could attract voters who are frustrated with the current opposition's ineffectiveness, creating a new dynamic in Zimbabwe’s political sphere."
Efforts to get a comment from both Sikhala and Ruhanya were futile as their mobile phones were not being answered.
However, political analysts are already speculating that this new alliance could fundamentally alter Zimbabwe's opposition political landscape ahead of future elections.
