By Political Reporter- Opposition politician Nelson Chamisa, has announced a return to national politics with the potential formation of a grand coalition.
This bold move could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2028 elections.
Chamisa, renowned for his charisma and ability to connect with the youth, has been a consistent force in Zimbabwean politics, despite facing electoral defeats in 2018 and 2023 against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
His campaign promises of democratic reform and economic revitalization have resonated deeply with many Zimbabweans frustrated by the country’s prolonged economic hardships.
In a recent interview with The Zimbabwe Independent, Chamisa outlined plans for a new governance model that he described as a significant departure from traditional opposition politics.
This comes after months of speculation about his next move following his resignation from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in January, citing Zanu PF infiltration within the party.
Chamisa’s sudden departure left his supporters in a state of uncertainty while fueling speculation among his political rivals.
Despite stepping away from party politics, Chamisa remains committed to a vision of inclusive governance. “The first thing we have to fix is the politics,” he told The Independent. “And that we will fix before 2028. We fix politics by making sure we have a governance framework for everyone.”
Chamisa envisions a government that accommodates diverse perspectives, bridging divides between political affiliations.“Those in Zanu PF are Zimbabwean, and those in other political parties are Zimbabwean. We must have a conversation, not just a conversation but a synthesis,” he explained. “There is a thesis—the dominant opinion—and an antithesis—the alternative opinion. But the government must be a synthesis, combining both.”
Chamisa has long argued that Zimbabwe’s stagnation stems from a lack of unity and an inability to integrate differing views for national progress.
His call for a “melting pot” government reflects his broader goal of building a Zimbabwe where cooperation and dialogue replace divisive political rivalries.
“This is not a zero-sum game,” he emphasized. “You don’t win by taking the whole house. You ask others because they may have better ideas on how to run the country, and they can contribute.”
Chamisa’s blueprint for Zimbabwe’s revival extends beyond politics.
He detailed plans for an ambitious manpower and industrial development strategy, aimed at leveraging Zimbabwe’suntapped economic potential. “We need proper manpower planning and industrial expansion,” he said, highlighting the need for a clear focus on industries that can be “cash cows” for the nation.
His vision includes identifying quick wins in key sectors to create jobs and expand markets, both domestically and internationally. “What can we produce? What can we export? What products are required internationally that we can leverage? This is the model for a rapid, accelerated transformation of the economy,” Chamisa added.
A central pillar of his proposed governance structure is the creation of a Citizens Affairs Department dedicated to addressing public grievances and conducting regular citizen satisfaction surveys. “There will be a department designed just to deal with citizen grievances,” he said. “All citizen queries, anxieties, and hopes will be answered there.”
Chamisa’s focus on the well-being of citizens from birth to adulthood is another hallmark of his governance philosophy.
He envisions a future where every Zimbabwean child has guaranteed access to education, employment, and social welfare. “From day one, when a child is born, we must know that we need a job for this child, education, social welfare, ownership, and resources,” he said.
His vision also includes radical reforms to the education system. Chamisa proposed removing the president’s control over universities, allowing these institutions to be run autonomously by professionals and industry experts.
“This business of having the president preside over graduations is antiquated. Universities must be independent, and run by professionals,” Chamisa asserted.
His call for greater autonomy in higher education extends to inviting distinguished figures from industry, academia, and even prominent international leaders to take part in graduation ceremonies—a departure from the current practice where the president plays a central role. “The president can’t be everything, from being the chancellor of universities to the patron of charity clubs. It’s time to leave that to others.”
Chamisa’s bold plans for governance and development mark him as a politician determined to reshape Zimbabwe’sfuture.
With the potential for a grand coalition on the horizon, the opposition leader’s vision for a more inclusive, prosperous nation may become a defining feature of Zimbabwean politics in the years to come.
Source: The Independent