Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has described popular opposition leader Nelson Chamisa as an immature and selfish man who should be a goat herder.
Chamisa, who is followed by millions, threw the opposition into disarray when he left the main opposition Coalition for Change (CCC) party he had formed two years ago early this year.
In a 13-page statement, the 46-year-old lawyer and cleric listed a series of reasons that prompted him to abandon the party he helped form in 2022.
His main complaint was what he called the “infiltration” of the ruling Chinese Communist Party by the African National Union (ZANU) party.
Two legislators Fadzai Mahiri and Rusty Markham have resigned from Parliament in solidarity with their leader who forced by-elections in their constituencies.
However, some lawmakers remained in Parliament, arguing that they needed to represent the interests of those who elected them.
Speaking in Harare East where by-elections are being held this weekend, Chiwenga criticized Chamisa, saying there was no place for him in the country’s politics.
“They said Ngabinde hak mukomana. Where to get to? The boy must be a goat herder. He must grow up and do things the right way. He cannot continue to be selfish, and if he wants power he must join with others,” Chiwenga said.
He reminded voters of April 28, 1897, which marked the beginning of April 1 The Chimulenga War after the beheading of the psychics Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi.
“The by-election in Harare East has provided us with an opportunity to correct and restore the political status quo and right the wrong of the August 2023 elections,” Chiwenga said.
“This opportunity must not be misused because our problems will not end.”
He asked ZANU-PF supporters to remember that 28 April, one day after the by-election, was the day that marked the beginning of the liberation struggle.
Meanwhile, in a statement on the 44th Independence Day celebrations issued via Chamisa News Channel on the WhatsApp platform, Chamisa criticized the ZANU-PF for destroying the country.
“A nation is about shared values, shared vision, shared goals, shared aspirations, and shared dreams. But at the moment we have not shared a journey yet, we cannot even share a destination without sharing a journey,” he added.
“And that’s why, for me, when we think about independence, in 44 years, you can’t say there’s independence when there’s not the basics. There’s no independence without food on the table. There’s no independence when you don’t have money in your pocket, when you don’t have a roof.” Above your head.
“There is no independence when there is no food in your mouth or stomach or in your home. Independence means dignity. Dignity is not only for your name, your life, your being, or your body.
Chamisa also called for freedom of expression and elections.
“Let’s change political parties like we change diapers. You know? Don’t we have this thing that’s almost taboo, a one-party state.”
“We must have a multi-party state. In fact, we have gone further than that. We are worse off. It is no longer a one-party state. It is a one-man state, a one-family state. That cannot be. We must not have that.” “We can’t be like that,” he said.
“What makes the difference between a millionaire and a poor man is opportunity. We must be a nation of opportunities, a nation of millionaires. Of course we cannot all be millionaires, but even when you are a worker in a rich country, you are a millionaire.
“A millionaire is not only measured by the money in your pocket, it is also measured by your dignity, your worth, your wealth and your wealth. Your values that you will pass on to future generations. Let’s build an efficient and well-maintained infrastructure system.”
Chamisa called for unity and love among Zimbabweans.
“Let’s not hate each other, let’s show love, let’s share love. Let’s all show that we can do this for our country, we can build a better country, we can make Zimbabwe that great nation, the new great Zimbabwe,” he added.