Chamisa Urges Prayer as Path to Zimbabwe’s Liberation

Nelson Chamisa urges Zimbabweans to embrace prayer as a path to national liberation, while pledging commitment to the people and warning against environmental damage from mining (image source)

HARARE — Former Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has called on Zimbabweans to embrace persistent prayer as a central pillar of the country’s liberation struggle, arguing that activism and armed resistance alone cannot deliver lasting freedom. Speaking at the Zimbabwe Charity Annual Dinner in Harare, Chamisa framed faith as a source of endurance and moral clarity in a prolonged political battle marked by frustration and uncertainty.

Chamisa told supporters he remained committed to the people of Zimbabwe, drawing inspiration from the late MDC founder and former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, whom he praised for unwavering loyalty to citizens. “As far as I am concerned, I have the energy, I have the power, I have the commitment to go forward. And God willing, we are going to win it,” he said, to applause from attendees.

He pledged transparency about his political journey, assuring supporters that he would communicate honestly should circumstances change. “When I get tired, I will tell you. When I feel I cannot take it anymore, I will tell you,” Chamisa said, a remark interpreted by analysts as an attempt to reinforce trust at a time when opposition politics remains fluid and fragmented.

Beyond faith and politics, Chamisa also raised concerns over environmental degradation linked to mining activities, particularly those involving Chinese firms. He accused miners of damaging Zimbabwe’s scenic mountains and natural heritage through unsustainable practices. “Many of our mountains have been indiscriminately decimated and destroyed, some of them being wantonly shaved into different styles and left bare and bald,” he said. “We must preserve and conserve these natural resources. Mining does not mean undermining.”

His comments echo growing concerns from civil society organisations and environmental advocates, who warn that unchecked extractive activities threaten biodiversity, water sources and cultural landscapes. The remarks place environmental stewardship alongside governance and spirituality as part of Chamisa’s broader public message.

Political analysts say Chamisa’s emphasis on prayer reflects an effort to reframe the struggle for change beyond electoral cycles and street mobilisation, appealing to a population weary of broken promises and constitutional disputes. By blending spiritual conviction with calls for accountability and sustainable development, Chamisa is positioning faith as both a coping mechanism and a unifying force in Zimbabwe’s contested political landscape.