Former opposition MP Eddie Cross believes that Nelson Chamisa, the former leader of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), missed a significant opportunity to enhance his political career by turning down an offer to become the leader of the opposition in Parliament.
Following the contentious 2018 presidential election, it was reported that President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended this position to Chamisa, who declined the offer.
In a recent online podcast, Cross suggested that accepting the role could have elevated Chamisa’s profile and improved his chances of eventually defeating ZANU PF, but he viewed the offer with arrogance. Cross remarked:
“I told him that Mnangagwa has offered you the leader of the opposition post, along with status, a front-row seat in the House of Assembly, an office, drivers, security, and a salary. Take it and sit there for ten years—perhaps five—because you are very effective on television and can establish yourself. Learn.”
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Cross also criticized the opposition for the poor management of cities and towns under their control, arguing that this reflects how they would govern the country. He contrasted their performance with that of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA), claiming that while the DA has successfully managed the Western Cape, every city run by the CCC is just as mismanaged as it would be under ZANU PF.
“If Chamisa had any sense, he could have transformed his power base into a genuine force for change,” he added.
In response, the opposition blames the deteriorating state of cities and towns on the central government, alleging that the Ministry of Local Government undermines local authorities by interfering in their operations.
