In a high-stakes appeal for regional solidarity, prominent Zimbabwean opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has urged South Africa’s leading political organizations—the ANC, DA, and EFF—to take a stand against the erosion of democracy in Zimbabwe.
Speaking during a candid interview with South African broadcaster eNCA on Monday evening, Chamisa emphasized that the political instability north of the Limpopo is no longer just a Zimbabwean problem, but a systemic regional crisis that requires urgent intervention.
The “Third-Term” Threat and Regional Impact
When questioned about the growing discourse surrounding a potential third term for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Chamisa was scathing. He warned that extending the current administration’s tenure would only serve to institutionalize “corruption, illegitimacy, and unemployment.”
He pointed out the direct link between Zimbabwe’s governance failures and the migration pressures facing Pretoria.
“It’s an extension of more problems for South Africa,” Chamisa stated, noting that with over two million Zimbabweans currently in the diaspora—mostly in South Africa—the country remains a “burden” to its neighbors until the root causes are addressed.
A Plea to the ANC, DA, and EFF
Chamisa’s message to South Africa’s political heavyweights was clear: “Help us help ourselves.” He argued that the fight in Zimbabwe is not about personalities, but about building credible state institutions and ensuring that national processes are universally agreed upon.
“Elections must produce outcomes that are supported by all citizens, just like in South Africa or Botswana,” he said, framing the struggle as one for basic “constitutionalism and change.”
The Long Walk to 2028
Addressing skepticism regarding the upcoming 2028 elections—following a string of disputed polls in 2013, 2018, and 2023—Chamisa acknowledged that the path ahead is a “marathon,” not a sprint.
Drawing parallels to the liberation struggles against Apartheid in South Africa and the Smith regime in Rhodesia, he reminded viewers that dismantling a dictatorship is never an “overnight job.”
“It’s not going to be different if we don’t fight. It’s a struggle… not all struggles are instant coffee,” Chamisa remarked.
Fighting “Tomfoolery” and State Capture
The opposition leader concluded by reaffirming his commitment to resisting what he termed “tomfoolery” by the Mnangagwa administration. He highlighted three primary pillars of his current struggle:
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Halting the looting of national resources and state coffers.
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Demanding electoral reforms to prevent a repeat of past disputed outcomes.
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Restoring the integrity of government institutions which he claims have “gone to the dogs.”
Despite the “uphill task,” Chamisa remains adamant that the opposition will not relent until victory is achieved for the Zimbabwean people.