The Decline of Opposition – A Call for Unity and Purpose
14 January 2025
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By Fanuel Chinowaita | Zimbabwe’s opposition politics, once a symbol of hope for a nation yearning for democracy, has lost its way. What was once a movement fighting for the people’s cause has shifted to serving personal interests, leaving many disillusioned and questioning whether the opposition can still be the force for change it once aspired to be.

The late Morgan Tsvangirai, the founding leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), embodied the true spirit of opposition. From 1999, Tsvangirai led a relentless fight against Zanu PF’s authoritarian rule, culminating in the 2009 Government of National Unity (GNU). His vision was clear: a Zimbabwe free from oppression, where democracy and unity prevailed. He had an unmatched ability to rally diverse voices under a single cause, demonstrating his belief in collective action as the path to change.

However, Tsvangirai’s death marked a critical turning point. The MDC Alliance, formed by uniting various parties, has failed to sustain the momentum and vision he left behind. Today, Zimbabwe’s opposition is fractured, marred by infighting and ego-driven leadership that undermines the very democratic principles it once championed. Instead of uniting against Zanu PF’s misrule, some leaders prioritize personal ambitions, reducing the opposition to a fragmented group of self-serving individuals rather than a unified force for progress.

A Disconnect Between Leaders and the People

A glaring example of this decline is the growing disconnect between opposition leaders and the citizens they claim to represent. Zimbabweans turned to the opposition for its promises of democracy, accountability, and a brighter future. Yet many leaders now mirror the authoritarian tendencies they once opposed, sidelining genuine voices within their ranks and treating supporters with contempt.

Actions speak louder than words. Reports of opposition Members of Parliament sharing rice donated by President Mnangagwa or frequenting his farm cast serious doubt on their commitment to the cause. Such behavior erodes public trust and fuels perceptions that opposition leaders are compromised.

Fragmentation and Misguided Priorities

The opposition’s failure to unite is its greatest weakness. Instead of building alliances, leaders engage in petty squabbles and self-promotion. This lack of cohesion and strategic direction renders them unable to mount an effective challenge to Zanu PF’s dominance.

Another damaging trend is the sidelining of seasoned leaders in favor of newcomers with questionable motives. While fresh ideas are essential, dismissing experienced figures who have been in the trenches since the opposition’s inception is counterproductive. Genuine leaders with a proven commitment to the cause must be acknowledged and given space to guide the movement forward.

A Call to Action

The opposition must act urgently to reclaim its relevance. Unity is no longer optional—it is essential. Leaders must prioritize the collective goal of democracy over personal interests and egos. They must reengage with their supporters, listen to their grievances, and prove through their actions that they remain committed to the cause of a free and democratic Zimbabwe.

Zimbabweans deserve an opposition that fights for them, not one that mimics the corruption and self-interest of the ruling party. Without immediate reform and a return to Tsvangirai’s principles of unity, inclusivity, and democratic struggle, the opposition risks fading into irrelevance.

The time to rise is now—before it’s too late.