By Wezhira Munya
(the above pic is far left Hon. Siziba, followed by ex Mayor Shantel Chiwara, former Mayor Anne Sande number four from the left and others.)
Some of President Nelson Chamisa’s top lieutenants are in South Africa today observing the country’s general elections. The delegation includes former Pelandaba-Tshabalala MP and ex-CCC deputy spokesperson Hon. Ostallos Siziba, former Masvingo Mayor Shantel Chiwara, and current Masvingo District CCC cluster secretary and ex-Norton Mayor Anne Sande.
Hon. Siziba is participating in the observation efforts through the Regional Observer Mission, while Mayors Chiwara and Sande are overseeing the polls under the auspices of the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellency. This invitation to observe the South African elections is a testament to the pedigree and global influence of these Zimbabwean youthful and highly intelligent opposition leaders.
Recently, Hon. Siziba was invited to speak at a high-level political gathering in Cameroon, where he received a standing ovation. He also had the privilege of introducing former US President Barack Obama at an Obama Foundation meeting in 2022.
Despite being illegally recalled from their positions by CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu in collaboration with ZANU-PF, the political and social influence of Hon. Siziba, ex-Mayor Chiwara, and former Mayor Sande continues to grow.
Speaking to Change Radio, Hon. Siziba expressed his satisfaction with the election process in South Africa, noting that no opposition party members were arrested pre- or during the elections, unlike in Zimbabwe where Chamisa’s supporters have faced crackdowns.
Former Masvingo Mayor Chiwara also commented on the election situation, stating, “The elections are progressing well, and we are learning a lot from South Africa’s election processes.”
South Africans are electing their seventh democratic Parliament today, 29th May 2024. There are 52 parties on the national ballot, including new parties formed by former ANC members such as Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) and the Economic Freedom Fighters led by Julius Malema.
The results are expected to be announced on or before 2nd June 2024. After the announcement, Parliament must hold its first session within 14 days, likely on 17th June 2024. The newly elected Members of Parliament will then elect a president from among their 400 members.
This observation mission by Chamisa’s lieutenants underscores the growing regional and global influence of Zimbabwe’s opposition leader President Chamisa and his lieutenants, even in the face of domestic political challenges.
