By Nobleman Runyanga
Despite MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s claims of popularity using phrases such as “the people’s president,” some members of the party are fed up with him.
This was evident in some of the responses which some MDC members posted in response to Chamisa’s Facebook message hours after the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations held at Rufaro Stadium in Harare last Saturday.
Chamisa had posted on one of the three Facebook pages in his name expressing gratitude to MDC members for turning up for the event.
“Thank you Zimbabwe! The level of your commitment and sacrifice is humbling. Your support humbled me. Life is hard and the cost of transport is so high but you came to Rufaro stadium.
“Against all odds..Odds of no bus fare or transport. We will get there. God is good all the time, God bless you,” posted Chamisa.
The opposition leader who is used to praises such as “Famba, Nero famba (March on, Nelson)” and “Chamisa chete chete (Only Chamisa is our leader),” was told some very hard and uncomfortable truths by some of his disenchanted members in response.
“Mr President, kindly explain to me, what is the difference between MDC and ZANU PF? 20 years have gone by, what you have achieved as a party besides waiting for the next election (which you are going to lose? You promised a lot on action plans but you haven’t delivered,” retorted Reinhard Ncube.
Despite the usual uncharitable if not outright insults from the typical frustrated and uncouth MDC members such as one Christopher Mashanda, was unrelenting.
“I’m very young and disappointed in our politics. I understand (the) MDC was formed on basis of activism and (the) need for a radical change but I’m seeing party that is slowly blending in to become the next traditional ZANU PF, with just a different name, without drive and energy for change, Ncube charged.
Some members tried to remind him of the positive changes in the local economy under the Government of National Unity (GNU) which they attributed to MDC but he was not convinced.
“I appreciate that comrades, but can we live on old memories? While we cherish old memories why not create new memories?” he queried.
Ncube also exposed the lack of internal democracy and freedom within the MDC.
“If MDC is surely different from ZANU PF good people, why can’t we allow free discourses, with freedom to ask questions and get answers without the fear of being named an enemy? I’m not an MDC enemy neither am I a ZANU PF enemy. I’m a young citizen who dreams to see a prosperous and united Zimbabwe,” posted Ncube.
Another party member, Ebby Zee Hungwe agreed with Ncube. He said: “The problem we are facing as MDC is this allergy to criticism. If anyone criticizes the way things are going in the party you're insulted or called an enemy. Yet solutions are borne from criticism.
“Following the party blindly will not win us elections. And this policy of don't criticize MDC or Chamisa is not "democratic" as is the name of the party. I agree with everything Reinhard said.
“We are losing momentum like it or not. Look at Rufaro Stadium. It wasn't even full to the brim and the stand behind the stage was completely empty. They hid it in all these (social media) pictures but it was empty. That's worrying.
“Let's leave this culture of insulting anyone who doesn't agree with how we are handling things and mentality yekuti Chamisa can do no wrong and shouldn't be criticized. (The) only way we can win is to accept criticism and other people's ideas. As it stands, we are heading towards another ZANU PF victory (in 2023) instead of the party gaining momentum due to all this current suffering,” Hungwe fumed.
Ncube is not alone in his disappointment with Chamisa.
“I used to support Chamisa until I realized that it was a waste of my time,” responded one Lillian Lilly Lee Mhandu.
As the resultant discourse progressed, Ncube reminded Chamisa and his followers of his baseless confidence of victory before last year’s elections which sharply contradicts with his current charges of a stolen election.
“Remember the party promised us before elections that it will be water tight election, that they (had) put in place all needed mechanisms to curb rigging. But here we are, a year after election. The point is: it was the first time I voted, have lost faith (in Chamisa). Come 2023 what would have changed?” he questioned them.
Ncube expressed frustration with MDC and its seeming directionlessness.
“I honestly feel MDC has ceased serving its purpose. It's no longer a "movement" it is now one traditional lagging party. (It’s so stale and stagnant and it’s losing its popularity with the upcoming generation. We need it to be that party which can watchdog the ruling party and put pressure on it if it is not delivering on promises. (It must) stand for Zimbabweans but MDC lacks that vigour and punch,” Ncube opined.
Some MDC member such as Leo Bennet did not mince their words to Chamisa. He told him upfront that he was out of his depth.
“You failed to fill up Rufaro stadium. Harare is your stronghold we all know that. That’s a sign, Nelson Chamisa you have to learn that. Only bootlickers will continue praising you without telling you the truth. Vanhu muHarare tatambura.
“We are tired of your Facebook and Twitter messages; we really need change on the ground. Truth be told, Chamisa, taneta. Zvikaramba zvakadai up to 2023 ZANU PF ichakavhira because mudhara manyanya kutipa ma promise asingauye. Honai maby-elections kudamburwa kwega kwega. Haa Nero do something kwete kutipromisa nhema dzega dzega,” Bennet posted.
Fed up with Chamisa, some of the MDC members think that despite emerging from an election held in Gweru in May, there is need for a leadership shakeup at the party’s Harvest House national headquarters to replace him with a better leader and election candidate.
Another party member, Danny Mpandle, who agreed with Bennet on Chamisa’s shortcomings went a step further and suggested the party’s vice president, Tendai Biti as a suitable replacement for the beleaguered opposition leader.
“Leo Bennet, vanhu havadi kuwudzwa chokwadi. It is better for Tendai Biti to take over leadership of the party,” Mpandle suggested.
