Timba Tells Chamisa Mandate Is Earned, Not Declared

Former CCC MP Jameson Timba has hit back at the party’s former leader Nelson Chamisa, who was recorded by the Daily News harshly criticising him and saying he has no mandate to lead opposition to the current constitutional amendments, describing him as a nonentity.

In remarks he has since tried to row back on, Chamisa said Timba has no mandate to lead citizens opposed to Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

Timba, who now leads the Defend the Constitution Platform, is among several former legislators who have come together to resist ZANU-PF’s push to amend the Constitution.

In a statement on Wednesday, after the Constitutional Court reserved judgment on two applications seeking to stop Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, Timba said a mandate is not declared but earned through service, organisation and showing up.

“Today I wish to acknowledge all citizens and leaders who stepped forward before the Constitutional Court in defence of constitutionalism,” said Timba.

“Special appreciation to Godfrey Gurira (co-applicant & DCP War Veterans Desk Co-Head), Prince Dubeko (Head, DCP Citizens Engagement Desk), and Prof. Lovemore Madhuku, lead Advocate and NCA leader.

“This effort was not for individuals, positions or organisations. It was for Zimbabweans.

“A reminder that democratic work is collective work. Different actors. One constitutional purpose.

“Mandate is not declared — it is earned through service, organisation and showing up.”

Timba, a loyal opposition figure who worked closely with the late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai and later with Chamisa, was detained for more than five months with dozens of activists after police arrested them on 16 June 2024 for gathering at his private Avondale residence to commemorate the Day of the African Child.

Some political commentators say Timba has never retreated or sold out since he entered opposition politics in the late 1990s, that he bears the scars of the struggle, and that his credentials cannot credibly, reasonably or sustainably be questioned by anyone, including Chamisa.

In the recording, Chamisa came across as unhappy and upset that Timba and others are opposing CAB3 without his permission.

This, according to analysts, raises questions about where Chamisa really stands on the issue amid allegations that he has a secret deal with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to give him a free pass and support his plans to remove the presidential two-term limit.