Political Reporter
Gift ‘Ostallos’ Siziba, a key ally of opposition politician Nelson Chamisa, was recently left red-faced in Rushinga, Mashonaland Central Province, after addressing a meagre crowd composed mainly of touts and intoxicated individuals.
According to a source who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity, Siziba was in the area last Saturday to drum up support for Chamisa, who is reportedly planning a return to active politics following a self-imposed sabbatical.
However, what was meant to be a political engagement turned into an embarrassing spectacle as the turnout was abysmal, forcing Siziba to consider abandoning the meeting altogether.
“There were barely any people at the so-called rally. It was more of a small gathering of drunkards and touts who only showed up because they were enticed by beer that Siziba bought for them. It was a complete embarrassment. You could tell that he expected a significant turnout, but the people were simply not interested,” the source said.
The source added that despite Siziba’s efforts to engage the community, the residents of Rushinga seemed more focused on their daily activities, barely acknowledging his presence.
“People were just going about their business as usual. The opposition still has a long way to go in gaining traction in rural areas. The lack of attendance clearly showed that the opposition is struggling to penetrate Zanu PF strongholds,” the source explained.
However, the source noted that despite the humiliating turnout, the fact that Siziba was allowed to address his paltry audience without disruptions was a sign that Zimbabwean democracy is maturing.
“In the past, opposition figures would have faced hostility in such areas, but this time, he was allowed to hold his meeting freely. It’s a clear indication that, despite political differences, Zimbabwean democracy is progressing,” the source remarked.
Siziba, a vocal figure in Chamisa’s political circle, has been active in mobilisation efforts, amid speculation that Chamisa is strategising for a political comeback.
However, his reception in Rushinga has highlighted the uphill battle that the opposition still faces in rural constituencies dominated by Zanu PF.
While neither Siziba nor his team has officially addressed the low voter turnout, political analysts suggest that this signals a pressing need for the opposition to recalibrate its strategy.
Political commentator Calvin Chitsunge commented that, "The opposition continues to struggle in rural areas because it has not built sustainable structures that can challenge the ruling Party’s dominance."
Meanwhile, without a clear rural mobilisation strategy, the opposition risks further marginalisation in these crucial political battlegrounds.
