HARARE – The new opposition leader Robert Chapman’s party manifesto launch on Saturday was marred with chaos.
While the Democratic Union of Zimbabwe (DUZ) party leader has been gaining traction on social media for his eloquence, the Saturday event will go down in history as one of the most chaotic political gathering in Zimbabwe.
As had been predicted by DUZ’s former communications director, the event attracted less than 500 people despite them being bussed to the venue.
According to some disgruntled party supporters they were at the venue by 10 o’clock in the morning for an event that only started around 4.
“I came all the way from Norton to attend the launch but we were kept waiting until 4 and we haven’t eaten anything not even water to drink was served.
” I haven’t seen such a political party with an ambition to assume office neglects its own like this,” said one party member who requested anonymity.
Several women who were nursing babies were among the hungry lot.
Another supporter identified as Rasta said they were promised US$5 for attending the rally but failed to get a penny.
” There is a lady from Kuwadzana we knew as a former MDC-T activist, she came to us and promised to pay us US$5 for attending Chapman’s rally.
” We all heard that he is monied but for all the hours we spent we got absolutely nothing. I am hungry as well,” he complained bitterly.
What was more disturbing was of one church leader who has a position in the party who hoodwinked fellow congregants that they were going to a church gathering when it was a political event.
” Our Reverend told us that we needed to attend a church gathering at Showground and that transport was available for those interested.
” To imagine some failed to come because the 2 Kombis were full and us who managed were forced to chant slogans is something we will not forgive Reverend for fooling us,” said a livid woman only identified as Mai Lee.
An elderly man who attended the launch was heard shouting that Chapman should not do politics if he doesn’t have the financial muscle
” Politics haasi mahumbwe dzoda mari kwete kugona kutaura chirungu, hazvipinzi munhu muoffice ngaasatambisire vanhu nguva,” he shouted.
There was drama as the guy whose PA system was hired came close to trading blows with some of the DUZ Harare steering committee members who had organised the event.
Speaking to this publication, one of the DUZ officials said the party is in disarray.
“We have confusion no wonder why some leaders are leaving en masse. There is the issue of joining with Patriotic Zimbabweans which has brought in new leaders relegating others to lesser roles.
” Those who are now closer to Chapman are just milking him and don’t care about the party reputation. This is bad because I am sure money was given to the leaders but it was converted to personal use,” revealed the party member who requested anonymity.