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Timba hits back at Chamisa
2 hrs ago |
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Opposition veteran Jameson Timba has issued a strongly worded statement emphasising collective action in democratic work, amid rising tensions within Zimbabwe's opposition over constitutional litigation and leadership legitimacy.
Timba, who now leads the Defend the Constitution Platform, said democratic work cannot be centralised around individuals, arguing that legitimacy is earned through consistent service, organisation and participation.
"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," he said.
The remarks come in the wake of reported internal friction within opposition circles following a leaked audio recording in which opposition leader Nelson Chamisa was alleged to have criticised Timba and questioned his mandate to oppose constitutional amendments.
Timba has been active in opposition politics since the late 1990s, having worked closely with the late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai and later within structures aligned to Chamisa before the recent fallout over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
He was among activists detained for more than five months following arrests on June 16, 2024, after a gathering at his Avondale residence to mark the Day of the African Child.
Timba's supporters say his long involvement in opposition politics gives him strong credentials in the pro-democracy movement, and that his record cannot be credibly questioned.
In his statement, Timba also acknowledged individuals who participated in recent constitutional litigation before the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure-related constitutional amendments.
He specifically mentioned co-applicants and legal representatives including Godfrey Gurira, Prince Dubeko Sibanda and Professor Lovemore Madhuku, praising their role in defending constitutionalism.
"This effort was not for individuals, positions or organisations. It was for Zimbabweans," he said.
The Constitutional Court has since reserved judgment in the matter.
The dispute underscores growing tensions within Zimbabwe's opposition landscape, as differing strategies emerge over how to respond to constitutional and electoral developments.
Timba, who now leads the Defend the Constitution Platform, said democratic work cannot be centralised around individuals, arguing that legitimacy is earned through consistent service, organisation and participation.
"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," he said.
The remarks come in the wake of reported internal friction within opposition circles following a leaked audio recording in which opposition leader Nelson Chamisa was alleged to have criticised Timba and questioned his mandate to oppose constitutional amendments.
Timba has been active in opposition politics since the late 1990s, having worked closely with the late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai and later within structures aligned to Chamisa before the recent fallout over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
He was among activists detained for more than five months following arrests on June 16, 2024, after a gathering at his Avondale residence to mark the Day of the African Child.
Timba's supporters say his long involvement in opposition politics gives him strong credentials in the pro-democracy movement, and that his record cannot be credibly questioned.
In his statement, Timba also acknowledged individuals who participated in recent constitutional litigation before the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure-related constitutional amendments.
He specifically mentioned co-applicants and legal representatives including Godfrey Gurira, Prince Dubeko Sibanda and Professor Lovemore Madhuku, praising their role in defending constitutionalism.
"This effort was not for individuals, positions or organisations. It was for Zimbabweans," he said.
The Constitutional Court has since reserved judgment in the matter.
The dispute underscores growing tensions within Zimbabwe's opposition landscape, as differing strategies emerge over how to respond to constitutional and electoral developments.
Source - newsday
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