Chamisa Defends “No To 2050” Post, Says He Was Avoiding ZANU-PF Language
Opposition politician Nelson Chamisa has defended his social media post on X, saying “No to 2050,” after facing heavy criticism over his allegedly ambiguous stance on ZANU PF’s proposal to amend the constitution.
Chamisa has been less vocal on plans to change the constitution, with critics—including some of his former allies—accusing him of being bribed by the ruling party to stay silent.
After his “No to 2050” post, some argued that by referring to 2050, Chamisa was deliberately avoiding a direct opposition to ZANU-PF’s controversial 2030 agenda, which aims to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s second term beyond the current constitutional term ending in 2028.
Among his critics was his former colleague Chalton Hwende, now Kuwadzana East legislator and ex-secretary-general of the MDC Alliance, who suggested on X that Chamisa had been “offered a drink” to ignore ZANU PF’s plans to prolong Mnangagwa’s tenure.
In an interview with The Standard, Chamisa defended his wording, saying he deliberately avoided using the ruling party’s political language in his message. He said:
“I don’t want to be boxed in by the ZANU-PF language. They invented 2030. I will not message myself around 2030.
“In fact, with my reference to 2050, I was lenient. I could have put 2099.
“It is a dramatic illustration of the sinister intention.
“They want to turn Zimbabwe into a ruin on account of this dangerous and disastrous amendment.”
Responding to Hwende’s claims that he had accepted bribes from ZANU PF, Chamisa dismissed the allegation as absurd. He said:
“Those things are said in circumstances of intoxication. Why should I waste my time on issues of drinks?.
“For the record, I bear multiple scars for standing principled, focused and consistent.
“I am not in Parliament. I have not received a loan from ZANU PF. I don’t have a farm.
“I have nothing that I have received from anyone except persecution, ridicule, oppression and attempted assassination.”
Chamisa added that he has never met with Mnangagwa privately since the latter came to power in 2017.
He said the only occasions they were in the same place were at the presidential inaugurations in Botswana and Zambia, but never met face-to-face.
