Wezhira Munya
[Listen to the video attached where Masvingo City Deputy Mayor Daniel Mberikunashe speaks]
On 17th January 2026, Masvingo City Deputy Mayor Alderman Daniel Mberikunashe made an emphatic declaration, stating that President Nelson Chamisa will one day lead Zimbabwe. This assertive statement was delivered during a feedback meeting hosted by Masvingo Urban Member of Parliament, Honorable Martin Mureri, at Mucheke Hall, which was attended by hundreds of Masvingo citizens.
Before his speech, Mayor Mberikunashe acknowledged the diverse attendance at the feedback meeting in Mucheke Hall, which included both political and apolitical citizens, as well as members from Zanu PF and other parties. He emphasized that, while he would refrain from politics in his speech at the feedback meeting, it was important to remind everyone that Honorable Mureri, all present councillors, and members of Parliament were elected under the banner of President Nelson Chamisa in 2023.
Following this feedback meeting, a video of Alderman Mberikunashe’s remarks was shared by the TellZim newspaper on X (formerly Twitter), quickly attracting over 10,400 views by 7 AM on January 20, 2026.
In his speech, Alderman Mberikunashe boldly asserted, “President Chamisa did not leave politics; he left the contaminated Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party. President Chamisa won the 2023 presidential elections, but Zanu PF stole the elections.” His words resonated with the audience, fueling their enthusiasm and support for President Chamisa’s leadership.
Alderman Mberikunashe reminded the crowd of the significant victory President Chamisa achieved in the 2023 harmonized elections, where he resoundingly defeated Zanu PF’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The results of the 2023 harmonized elections showed that President Chamisa received 15,500 votes in Masvingo City, while Mnangagwa garnered only 5,000, marking a decisive 10,000-vote margin. This electoral success further solidified Masvingo as a stronghold for President Chamisa.
The parliamentary elections mirrored this trend, particularly with Advocate Martin Mureri representing President Chamisa as the candidate for Masvingo Urban. Advocate Mureri secured 13,500 votes, defeating Zanu PF’s Wellington Mahwende, who received just 6,000 votes—a lead of over 7,000 votes. Beyond parliamentary wins, President Chamisa’s council candidates won the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor in Masvingo City, claiming a total of 11 council seats, while Zanu PF managed only two.
To gain dominance in Masvingo City, Zanu PF recalled Mayor Shantel Chiwara with the help of Sengezo Tshabangu and Zanu PF won the Ward 7 by-election following the death of opposition Councillor Tafara Masimba. As a result, Zanu PF now has four councillors: three elected councillors and one female proportional representative.
Deputy Mayor Mberikunashe appealed to fellow elected officials—mayors, councillors, and members of Parliament across Masvingo and Zimbabwe at large—to publicly declare their allegiance to President Chamisa without fear, stating, “We must never be afraid to declare publicly that President Chamisa is our president. We are councillors, mayors, and members of Parliament because of President Chamisa’s popularity.”
Mrs. Nomatter Gunda, who attended the meeting, acknowledged that the reluctance of some politicians—councillors, mayors, and members of Parliament—to express their support for President Chamisa stems from fears of potential repercussions, such as recalls, particularly from Zanu PF operatives like Sengezo Tshabangu.
Community voices were also present at the meeting, with local resident Mr. Itai Banda praising Deputy Mberikunashe for his courageous public support of President Chamisa. Similarly, Honorable Mureri emphasized that his electoral victory was closely tied to President Chamisa’s leadership, urging Masvingo residents to continue their support for the President and remain patient as they await further direction.
At the same gathering, Mr. Patrick Cheza, a candidate for President Chamisa in Chirumhanzu South, expressed his solidarity with Advocate Mureri, underscoring the strength of their alliance. Mr. Cheza noted that he had traveled specifically to support Honorable Mureri, who affirmed his support for President Chamisa. He highlighted Mureri’s resignation from the CCC following President Chamisa’s departure from the party, establishing a framework for unity among supporters of Chamisa’s vision.
In closing, Deputy Mayor Mberikunashe condemned those mayors, councillors, and parliamentarians who hesitate to openly express their support for Chamisa, labeling them as “lost,” or “Kurasika” in Shona. His remarks reflect a growing urgency within the opposition to unite and rally behind Chamisa as they look to reshape Zimbabwe’s political landscape for a brighter future. As the political climate continues to evolve, support for President Chamisa seems to solidify among his loyal constituents in Masvingo and beyond.
Deputy Mayor Mberikunashe acknowledged the diverse attendance at the feedback meeting in Mucheke Hall, which included both political and apolitical citizens, as well as members from Zanu PF and other parties. He emphasized that, while he would refrain from politics in his speech, it was important to remind everyone that Honorable Mureri, all present councillors, and members of Parliament were elected under the banner of President Nelson Chamisa in 2023.
