Nelson Chamisa has responded strongly to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address.
Mnangagwa delivered the address on Tuesday, September 29, at the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
The address marked the official opening of Parliament’s Fourth Session.
However, Chamisa used the occasion to raise broader concerns about Zimbabwe’s political direction.
Chamisa Calls Zimbabwe a “Distracted Nation”
In a statement, Chamisa described Zimbabwe as a “distracted nation.”
He argued that the State of the Nation Address had become a platform for what he called “deception and pretense.”
“The ‘State of the Nation’ has become, in my view, a state of deception and pretense,” Chamisa said.
He also criticised what he described as political party loyalists supporting messages they may not personally believe.
Chamisa linked his concerns to the ongoing debate surrounding Zimbabwe’s political future.
“When I tweeted #NoTo2050, some critics missed the point,” he said.
According to Chamisa, his message focused on the dangers of extending political power indefinitely.
He argued that citizens must retain their constitutional right to choose their leaders.
Chamisa Calls for Strong Institutions
Chamisa then shifted his focus from individuals to Zimbabwe’s political institutions.
He argued that the country’s challenges extend beyond what he called a one-party-state problem.
“The crisis is not merely a one-party-state problem,” Chamisa said.
“It is, and has always been, a one-man-state problem.”
Chamisa referenced Zimbabwe’s political history while making his argument.
He called for stronger institutions rather than stronger political figures.
“It is about building strong institutions, not strong men,” he said.
He also emphasised constitutionalism and citizens’ rights.
“It is about the right of citizens to choose, and to change, their government,” Chamisa added.
Despite his criticism, Chamisa said the political struggle would continue.
“The fight ahead is bigger than the noise of today,” he said.
He concluded with a message of determination, saying, “We have a big fight on our hands. And we will win the fight!”
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