Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa is facing fierce criticism for allegedly undermining efforts by opposition activists and civic groups to unite against plans to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term in office.
In comments published by the Daily News, Chamisa reportedly dismissed the proposed opposition coalition as an elite-driven initiative that lacked legitimacy and was destined to fail. The newspaper ran the story under the headline: “This engineered pact is hopeless.”
His remarks appeared to target former CCC Senator Jameson Timba, leader of the Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP), and Professor Lovemore Madhuku of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA). Both men have been spearheading efforts to form a “United Front” against the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, which critics fear could be used to prolong Mnangagwa’s presidency.
Chamisa’s remarks quickly triggered a fierce backlash across social media and political circles. Several critics accused Chamisa of fracturing the opposition and weakening resistance to the proposed constitutional changes.
However, Chamisa has strongly rejected the accusations, claiming that the report was completely fabricated. “The story is misleading, is a work of editorial fiction, and is intended to inflict injury,” he said.
“It is a fundamental principle of journalism that reporters should report the news, not manufacture it. When editorial standards are compromised in this way, public trust and our freedoms are put at risk,” he added.
In response to Chamisa’s denial, the Daily News published a follow-up article under the scathing headline: “ABSURD DENIAL: Chamisa interview was fully recorded.”
After being challenged to provide proof, the newspaper released a one-minute audio excerpt from the interview, which was subsequently shared online by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.
“Tell me, how can Timba just wake up one day and say, ‘I’m now the convenor’?” Chamisa can be heard asking in the recording. “Who gave you the mandate to say, ‘I want to lead the people’… as who?”
Commenting on the leak, Chin’ono said it was puzzling that Chamisa would choose to attack those fighting against the controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill.
“The emerging evidence now raises serious credibility and political questions. If he disagreed with those opposing Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3, he had every right to say so openly,” added Chin’ono.
“But denying the interview entirely, only for recorded audio to emerge later, is what is now deepening public concern and confusion.
“In politics, credibility matters. Once leaders begin denying things that are later proven to be true, people naturally begin questioning what else they may not be telling the public honestly.”
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