Chamisa to meet with his CCC faction?

A group of political activists claiming allegiance to former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa is preparing to reach out to the charismatic politician to voice concerns about deepening challenges within Zimbabwe's opposition politics.

Chamisa, who founded the CCC, abandoned the party after it was reportedly hijacked by rival Sengezo Tshabangu, leaving supporters and rivals alike uncertain about his next political move. Amid mounting speculation about a possible comeback, activists want to ensure Chamisa is made aware of persistent grievances that, they say, must be addressed before any new political formation is launched.

The activists, who initially united through social media to express frustration with the state of opposition politics, drafted a document titled "Re-energising the Base in Preparation for the New", which was leaked to NewsDay. In it, they highlight concerns about "secretive meetings" allegedly held to plan the new political outfit, which they claim exclude wider membership and risk exacerbating factionalism.

They also accuse a "dangerous cabal" of unilaterally imposing citizen representatives-such as cluster leaders and coordinators-at all levels from ward to national, without grassroots consultation. This, they argue, continues the divisive and toxic politics that contributed to Chamisa's resignation from the CCC.

"We hereby identify some of the major problems which were evident leading to the resignation of our leader, some of which have persisted to date with devastating consequences," reads the document.

"Divisive and toxic politics… perpetrated by a dangerous cabal which arrogated itself powers even to impose representatives loyal to its selfish and personal agenda."

The opposition remains fragmented, with ongoing disputes over representation and accusations of some members being "sell-outs" allegedly collaborating with Tshabangu's faction, further deepening mistrust and division.

The activists urge Chamisa to lead the drafting of a people-driven constitution grounded in shared values to guide the new political movement and foster stronger grassroots leadership.

"No one has the mandate to lead without the people's consent. This will likely boost electoral results as it will address voter apathy," the document proposes.

While the group has yet to decide who will formally present their concerns to Chamisa, senior opposition figures such as Vongai Tome, Lynette Mazingaidzo, and Takavafira Zhou have been suggested, with Tome reportedly favored as team leader. Attempts to reach Tome for comment were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, Jameson Timba, leader of the CCC faction aligned to Chamisa, stated he was unaware of the document or plans to approach Chamisa, downplaying internal disputes as secondary to the larger challenge posed by Zanu-PF's governance and its 2030 agenda.

"The most topical issue in Zimbabwe is Zanu-PF's 2030 agenda that we are opposing," Timba said.

"We have distinctively separated ourselves from the Tshabangu faction to challenge Zanu-PF in its plans."

As the opposition navigates internal divisions and external pressures, the political landscape remains fluid, with many watching closely to see if Chamisa will re-enter the fray and how the new political formation will take shape.