By Leonnel Mhuka
In the past 48 hours, social media has been ablaze with renewed attacks on President Nelson Chamisa, fueled by prominent figures such as Hopewell Chin’ono, Dr. Ibbo Mandaza, Ali Naka, and supported by Susan Mutami and other few agitators. However, these criticisms have been met with a strong backlash from Chamisa’s supporters, who are rallying to defend their leader from what they see as baseless and harmful rhetoric.
Dr. Felix Mafa Sibanda, a former senator, a veteran activist and long-time supporter of President Chamisa, spoke out against the recent attacks during an interview with Change Radio today. He directed particular criticism towards Dr. Ibbo Mandaza, a former civil leader and one-time cabinet minister under the late President Robert Mugabe, accusing him of undermining the democratic struggle that Chamisa has been championing.
Dr. Sibanda’s message was clear that Dr. Mandaza must “repent forthwith” for his recent actions and statements. Sibanda noted that it is not in his nature to publicly rebuke a fellow compatriot in the struggle for freedom, but felt compelled to speak out due to the severity of Mandaza’s recent behavior. He expressed disappointment that Mandaza, who could have emerged as a powerful political leader, has instead chosen to target Advocate Chamisa, whom he described as “a seemingly powerless person” in the face of the ruling ZANU-PF regime.
According to Senator Sibanda, the blame that Mandaza and others are placing on Chamisa is not only misplaced but also damaging to the broader cause of democracy in Zimbabwe. He argued that President Chamisa has done everything possible to advocate for change, but has been repeatedly betrayed by figures like Mandaza who, knowingly or unknowingly, assist ZANU-PF in maintaining its grip on power. “Why blame a seemingly powerless person like Adv. Chamisa who has done everything in the book but is continuously betrayed by the likes of Dr. Mandaza, assisting ZANU-PF to hold power regardless of what the electorate has spoken through their votes?” Sibanda questioned.
Dr. Sibanda emphasized that Chamisa does not hold the ultimate power in Zimbabwe—that power lies with Emmerson Mnangagwa. “Is he not aware that Adv. Chamisa has no ball but ED Mnangagwa? Shame indeed!” he stated firmly, pointing out the absurdity of holding Chamisa accountable for the continued dominance of the ZANU-PF regime. He criticized Mandaza for failing to acknowledge this reality and instead, unjustly blaming Chamisa for the political challenges facing the country.
Senator Sibanda also suggested that Dr. Mandaza’s recent actions could be seen as a continuation of his allegiance to the system he once served as a cabinet minister. “It is therefore imperative to state that the good doctor is working for the system that he once served as a cabinet minister under RG Mugabe, the former president of this sorry state and country,” Sibanda asserted. This connection, he implied, raises questions about Mandaza’s motivations and the true intent behind his criticisms of Chamisa.
In his statement, Dr. Sibanda also took issue with a twitter (X) response to president Chamisa made by Dr. Mandaza, where Mandaza seemingly mocked the idea that “God is in”, a phrase often used by the president and his supporters to express their faith in divine intervention in Zimbabwe’s political struggles. Sibanda admonished Mandaza for what he viewed as a blasphemous use of God’s name, stressing that as concerned citizens, they honor and revere the Living God. “God is omniscient and omnipotent whose name should not be abused willy-nilly,” Sibanda stated, urging Mandaza to retract his ungodly remarks.
The backlash against the attacks on president Chamisa saves as the proof of the deep loyalty and respect that many Zimbabweans have for their opposition leader. As the country continues to grapple with political and economic crises, Nelson Chamisa’s supporters are calling for unity and remain resilient in the face of adversity. The recent criticisms have only confirmed and strengthened their resolve to stand by their leader and continue the fight for a free and democratic Zimbabwe.
In a political landscape fraught with challenges, advocate Chamisa’s supporters are sending a clear message that attacks on their leader will not go unanswered, and the struggle for true democracy in Zimbabwe needs unity and every other citizen must direct the energy against the common enemy, ZANU-PF.
