Political Reporter
Journalist and Government critic, Hopewell Chin’ono, has declared that the ruling Zanu-PF party will retain power “with a huge majority” beyond the 2028 elections unless opposition parties overhaul their strategies.
In a candid social media post on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, Chin’ono argued that Zimbabwe’s opposition, particularly factions linked to the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), has become “the best thing that has ever happened to Zanu-PF” due to its reliance on “personalities rather than ideas”.
Chin’ono asserted that the current opposition’s failure to prioritise policy-driven causes and its internal fractures have left Zanu-PF unchallenged.
“Reality does not hero-worship personalities—it favours common sense,” he wrote.
His remarks follow weeks of public clashes with opposition figure Nelson Chamisa, whom he has labelled “politically inept” for lacking coherent strategies to counter Zanu-PF’s dominance.
Drawing parallels to the late MDC founder, Morgan Tsvangirai, Chin’ono praised the former opposition leader’s emphasis on institutional structures over individual authority.
“Tsvangirai understood the importance of structures and of allowing leaders at various levels to be independent and strong,” he stated, contrasting this with the current opposition’s “failed leadership”.
Chin’ono’s critique intensified as he accused today’s opposition of silence on critical issues such as corruption and repressive legislation.
“Why would you not want people who are hero-worshiped yet do nothing—who cannot even speak out about corruption or draconian laws against the citizens?” he asked.
He described recent turmoil within opposition strongholds, including Glen View, as “the beginning of the total end of the 1999 project,”
The journalist’s prognosis for 2028 is bleak, declaring the election “gone save for a miracle” unless opposition parties adopt substantive agendas. “The citizens must be told the truth,” he insisted, adding that Zimbabweans “deserve better” but will “deserve what they are getting” if they tolerate ineffective leadership.
Chin’ono’s comments come amid escalating tensions with Chamisa, who has dismissed such critiques as divisive.
However, Chin’ono maintains that “reality cannot be pushed back with insults or abusive language”, doubling down on his view that the opposition’s reliance on “abusive language” over strategy cedes ground to Zanu-PF.
With Zanu-PF bolstered by fragmented rivals, his warning underscores a pivotal challenge for Zimbabwe’s democracy ahead of the 2028 polls.
