Paul Nyathi|The MDC has dismissed state media claims that party President Nelson Chamisa is getting funding from former President Robert Mugabe to contest any challenge in the upcoming party elections.
In a sensational clear smear campaign on Chamisa, State Media reports that Chamisa who is set for a resounding victory in the internal elections is being funded by Mugabe as he holds rallies around the country.
The media further claims that Chamisa’s recent trip to Ghana was also part of a fundraising initiative from some of his college mates there.
The state run media quotes unnamed MDC senior officials as their sources in claiming that Chamisa is being bankrolled by the former president to stave off any potential challenge ahead of the congress.
Responding to the media, MDC National Spokesperson Jacob Mafume dismissed the allegations indicating that the party has no time to engage with Mugabe as it is engaged on important issues affecting the people of Zimbabwe.
“I think the old man must be left in peace. We as the MDC-Alliance and President Chamisa are engaged with the issues of the suffering of the people,” said Mafume.
“We are trying to resolve the political and economic crisis which is affecting the people of Zimbabwe. We have not received any funding from the former President and neither are we expecting any funding,” he said.
On the Ghana trip, he said Chamisa sought solidarity for Zimbabwe and assistance to resolve the economic and political challenges facing the country.
Contrary to the State Media claims that Mugabe was funding the on-going “Thank You Rallies” being held by Chamisa country wide, ZimEye.com managed to establish that provincial structures within the opposition party are running independent fundraising drives for the rallies in their areas.
While the media also claims that the rallies are Chamisa campaign rallies, ZimEye.com noted that all suspected contestants for party positions have been getting opportunities to speak to the crowds at the rallies and all has been strictly party business not individual campaigns.
Chamisa’s next rally is set for Bulawayo’s White City Stadium on the 17th of March.