CHIVI – A Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor in Chivi Central has criticised former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, accusing him of abandoning grassroots party structures and leaving local leaders without support following the party’s internal turmoil.
Ward 30 Councillor Tayedzerwa Tofa Runyowa said many opposition activists who invested their time, resources and energy in building the movement were left disillusioned as the party’s influence declined.
Speaking to The Harare Post, this Tuesday, Runyowa described the challenges faced by grassroots opposition leaders in the aftermath of the CCC’s political and organisational difficulties.
“Chamisa abandoned us,” he said. “We dedicated our time, energy and resources to building the movement on the ground, but when things became difficult, many of us were left without direction or support.”
Runyowa said the realities facing many local opposition leaders differed sharply from public perceptions of political life.
He revealed that outside his responsibilities as a councillor, he earns a living by selling vegetables at a local business centre, relying on council allowances to supplement his income.
“We were told we were fighting for change and a better future. Today, many of us are struggling to survive. There is no support structure and no meaningful assistance for those who sacrificed everything for the opposition cause,” he said.
The councillor argued that opposition politics had failed to deliver tangible development to communities that had placed their trust in opposition leaders.
According to Runyowa, residents are increasingly prioritising basic services and development projects, including roads, clinics, clean water, schools and income-generating initiatives, over political rhetoric.
“People want to see development in their communities. They are more concerned about service delivery and economic opportunities than endless political battles,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when development initiatives are being implemented across Chivi Central under legislator Exevia Moses Maoneke.
While Runyowa stopped short of publicly endorsing any political party, he has on many occasions expressed admiration for development-focused leadership which prioritises service delivery and working together across political divides to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Political observers say the councillor’s comments reflect growing debate within opposition circles over leadership, accountability and the effectiveness of opposition politics in addressing community needs. For Runyowa, the central message is clear: political promises must ultimately be matched by tangible results for the communities’ leaders seek to represent.
As debate over the future of the opposition movement continues, Runyowa’s remarks highlight the growing frustrations among some grassroots leaders who believe political rhetoric must now give way to tangible development and improved livelihoods for communities.
