Themba Gorimbo Denies ZANU-PF Allegiance After UFC Defeat Backlash
Zimbabwean UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo has vehemently denied allegations linking him to the ruling ZANU-PF party. The claims surfaced following his 52-second defeat in a recent UFC fight, sparking heated debate on social media.
“I Am Not Politically Involved in My Country”
Gorimbo took to social media to set the record straight, responding directly to accusations from Twitter user Bhudhi Ghivhi. In a detailed post, he expressed his frustration with the claims.
“I am never politically involved in my country and don’t know where this guy is getting his information from,” Gorimbo began.
He explained that his visit to Zimbabwe’s State House in 2021 was purely professional.
“Yes, I’ve been to the State House… because it’s our president, and if you accomplish something in your field that has never been achieved by any countrymen before, you’re invited to meet him. That doesn’t mean you’re politically involved.”
Gorimbo added that he has always remained politically neutral despite knowing prominent figures from both sides, including former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.
“I am not part of any political parties in Zimbabwe and never did I criticise any party. The opposition party leader, I know him and grew up near his family in Masvingo, but still, I am not part of any party. I am a free man, and I support freedom.”
He concluded his post by addressing the backlash directly.
“Be happy about my loss, but don’t involve me in your stories of politics. As for the Winky D story, it was just a mere joke that ended up being an insult. I apologised because I respect and love his songs.”
Divisive Reactions on Social Media
Twitter user Bhudhi Ghivhi was among the most vocal critics, referring to Gorimbo as “the ZANU-PF fighter” and mockingly dubbing him “Sleeping Beauty” following his defeat.
“Before I move on from this topic, I hereby DECREE that from NOW on, the ZANU PF fighter shall officially be known as “Sleeping Beauty.”
“Listen, beloved people… I assure you I am, 99% of the time, a mature, responsible, disciplined and respectable individual,” Ghivhi wrote in a scathing post. “But NOT when it comes to deserved karma. I celebrate it prodigiously. Hopefully, he will stay out of ZANU politics and be less arrogant in the future, and also seek the assistance of public professionals to help him build a disciplined and positive brand.”
Another user, Shawn Murwira, took aim at Gorimbo’s State House visit.
“We don’t celebrate your defeat, homeboy, but the fact that you were seen wearing a scarf and sitting next to makuruwani makes all this absurd. A hyena will never play with goats. You can’t run away from the truth.”
Supporters also came to Gorimbo’s defence. Walter Makore encouraged him to remain steadfast.
“Let people talk and rejoice, but one thing you must know is you’re not just a man. God chose you this way to make Zimbabwe proud and be known in the history of boxing. Mistakes must lead you to success and to achieve the dreams of your life.”
Calls for Silence
Despite his efforts to clarify his position, some users advised Gorimbo to take a step back from social media.
“Bro, please quit explaining your loss,” wrote Mugababy ZA. “Just go offline for a week and enjoy life with your family as you reflect. This is costing you more than the result.”
Others suggested Gorimbo embrace the reality of engaging with government figures from the ruling ZANU-PF party. Inosious Tyson Nyakudya remarked,
“You need your government for you to prosper. Who is the government? It’s the ruling party. The best answer is to keep quiet. You have medals, but even the Warriors [Zimbabwe’s national football team] are welcomed to the State House, and they lose all the time.”
Gorimbo ended his post by reiterating his independence and desire to avoid politics.
“I am a free man, and I support freedom,” he declared.
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The post “I’m Not ZANU-PF”: Themba Gorimbo Distances Himself From Ruling Party Following Backlash After 52-Second UFC Loss appeared first on iHarare News.
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