Renowned theologian, Reverend Kenneth Mtata, says Nelson Chamisa’s resignation as the leader of CCC may deepen the crisis of multi-party democracy in Zimbabwe.
In a statement in response to Chamisa’s unexpected announcement on Thursday that he was quitting the party, he helped form just two years ago because has been “contaminated” and “hijacked” by the ZANU PF-led government, Mtata said there are a lot of issues Chamisa did not address in his 13-page letter. Below is Mtata’s statement:
<blockquote>
Chamisa’s resignation: New beginning or beginning of the end?
Today the leader of the largest opposition party in Zimbabwe, Nelson Chamisa announced his dissociation with the CCC project: “officially, and under my hand, inform you, fellow citizens of Zimbabwe and the world, that, with immediate effect, I no longer have anything to do with CCC.” What are the implications of this announcement? 
On one hand, I sincerely sympathise with Nelson Chamisa, who had been quite innovative in trying to navigate an almost impossible political environment.
I hope this is a strategic retreat for renewal. On the other hand, I deeply worry that this could be the beginning, not only of the end of Chamisa’s political career as we know it, but also of the deepening crisis of multi-party democracy in Zimbabwe.
It is both cases, we may be in a CRISIS or an OPPORTUNITY. My views are informed by five observations below.
The MOMENT: The statement carries an important announcement whose magnitude seems to have been missed by the statement itself. The statement fails to name the current moment as a ‘kairos.’ It is indeed a ‘kairos’ moment because, for the first time in the 44-year history of Zimbabwe, we wake up to an upside-down political situation where we have the main opposition party in parliament which is leaderless. We have individual members of Parliament who have a common tag (CCC) but whose organisation is contested in the courts. Do we have two CCCs, one belonging to Tshabangu (with no MPs) and one belonging to Chamisa (who has disowned it)? This national crisis of multi-party democracy. It is more than what Chamisa said. This has huge implications.
The PARTY: The statement only mentions CCC 14 times out of 13 pages even though CCC is supposed to be the main subject. The statement does not say what has happened to the largest opposition party in the country except that “the CCC idea was an idea we prayerfully conceived…meant to place Our God and the Citizens at the centre of all decision making,” but has now “been criminally handed over to ZANU PF”, and “CCC cannot deliver a New Great Zimbabwe!” What exactly has happened to CCC as a party beyond these riddles and innuendos? Has the party been dissolved, or only the leader resigned? Is this statement the result of a decision taken by the party or by Nelson Chamisa alone? What came out of the recent citizens’ “consultations?” Whither CCC? This is the main question. Do we no longer have CCC? What happens to the MPs? Will they join Chamisa or stay in parliament?
The FUTURE: The statement does not say much about the future apart from “I call upon all citizens to rally behind fresh politics.” It says that Chamisa will “remain active in public service. I also remain a loyal citizen listener, freedom advocate, a citizens’ champion and leader”, “asserting your victory, honouring the citizens mandate and God’s calling to provide leadership.” There is a suggestion of some “fresh things we need to do”, and “Fellow citizens, you will be kept posted on the next step.” Who will keep citizens posted, Chamisa or someone else? If Chamisa forms a new party today, will it attract any following or become a major flop? Was CCC not a version of a political party to Chamisa just as MDC was Morgan’s version of a political party? Will any new model catch fire? Could a new focus be bedded? What could it look like?
NATION: Could a new focus be on national processes? A national process built through citizens who are actively engaged, not those waiting for a saviour or messiah? For people to fully engage, they need (a) a shared destination or vision of the Zimbabwe they want, (b) a common understanding of the main obstacles towards reaching it, (c) to know that all their skills, resources, capacities, competences, strategies and actions are required, and (d) what responsibilities, roles, and structures around which their contribution will be organized. Building this process, especially in a complex environment like Zimbabwe, takes a long time and requires collective leadership. This announcement creates an opportunity for collective and credible leadership, maybe not around yet another political party, but a PROCESS (a national re-imagination process). Such a process may attend to the party politics at some point, but what is urgent for most people today are bread and butter issues because of a struggling economy characterised by out-of-control inflation, resulting in increasing violent crime, and desperate citizenry. To address this, the nation needs unity of purpose. Without the cooperation of credible leadership outside the establishment, positive change will be difficult to achieve.
LEADERSHIP: Leadership thrives where the national CAUSE is owned by all people, where designing the COURSE of action is participatory and inclusive, where the COST or burden of the struggle is equally shared, where the CONSTITUTION forms the common ground of engagement and is respected by all. Only then can a new COMMUNITY called Zimbabwe begin to form despite the existing differences. That demands leadership, not to entrench the polarities but one that is humble in victory and gracious in defeat. I hope the ruling party does not see this as an opportunity for narrow power consolidation but as an opportunity to extend a hand to credible alternative voices for nation-building.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Chamisa's Resignation From CCC May Deepen Crisis Of Multi-party Democracy In Zim - Rev. Mtata

The former General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) Reverend Kenneth Mtata says he left Zimbabwe in November last year to assume global ecumenical responsibilities.
The top cleric said because of his new responsibilities, Zimbabwe is no longer the main source for his public theology and engagement. Below is <a href="https://x.com/kennethmtata/status/1728632112943665271?s=20">a statement</a> posted on X by Mtata:
<blockquote>
1. It’s been a year [November 2022] since I physically left Zimbabwe to assume my new responsibility in the global ecumenical space. My public theology and engagement have, however, remained shaped and informed by the developments in my beloved country, Zimbabwe. I love my country and my people, hence this long weaning process. But, this relationship can no longer be sustained. I am moving on.
2. My new responsibilities require me to read the global landscape as it impinges on the vision of God’s kingdom of unity, peace, justice, and abundant life for all people. While Zimbabwe will remain important from my personal orientation, it ceases to be the main source for my public theology and engagement.
There are, however, three issues that I must mention in these parting words.
3. First, I encourage us not to give up on the value of participatory democracy in our nation-building agenda. Democracy:
(a) allows all people to choose the leaders they want on the basis of accurate information,
(b) allows all people to meaningfully participate in their national affairs without fear or coercion,
(c) ensures the equal protection of the rights of all citizens, and 
(d) it ensures that all our engagements are regulated and protected by laws. This creates order, predictability, and protection for everyone.
4. Democracy has been under threat for some time now, but right now, it is at the throes of death because of two main forces. The first is the force of capital. Capital eats democracy for lunch because it knows no nationality and can get what it wants since everything has a price. It is my hope that God’s people will say, “Not everything can be sold for money.” The second challenge for democracy is that it has not been consistently applied and has not always contributed meaningfully to the well-being of the people. Therefore, it suffers a credibility challenge. It doesn’t have a great track record, yet it remains the best alternative system of governance. Any system that denies people meaningful participation and freedoms is not sustainable even if it appears successful for a time.
5. I am not talking about democracy only at the national level, although that is the ultimate aim. I am more concerned about democracy and good governance within the political parties and institutions. If there is no democratic culture in the political parties and the other spheres of society, it won’t miraculously come to life at the national level. The levels of mistrust in our current political environment makes broad participation not attractive. Followers prefer ready-made answers while “messianic” leaders are impatient for meaningful engagement.
6. Second, nation-building requires self-respect. Self-respect as a virtue means that we can not treat each other with indignity and expect the world to respect us. We need to treat each other the way we want other nations to treat us. Self-respect also means that we choose the best among us to carry out representative tasks. We need to honour merit and competence.
7. Since the liberation struggle, we have relied on one attribute as the basis for leadership, namely, courage. One needed courage to fight the settler colonial regime because it was risky. One needed (still needs) courage to confront the post-independence despotic systems because it was risky. Courage and sacrifice are important values. Actually, without them, we will never break some important new ground. Yet, courage alone is not enough. We need know-how and competence. Self-respect means that we are not afraid of people who are better than us in some areas. At the same time, we don’t get intimidated by differences if we respect ourselves.
8. The third, since nation-building is my calling, I WILL BE BACK!!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Reverend Kenneth Mtata Bids Zimbabwe Farewell

Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) secretary-general, Reverend Kenneth Mtata has said there is a need to institute an independent national inquiry on Corruption.
He makes the remarks when reports of grand corruption cases involving senior government officials are increasing without satisfactory action to suggest that the government does not condone underhand dealings.
Posting on Twitter those Sunday, the outspoken clergyman said:
<blockquote>I THINK WE NEED AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL INQUIRY ON CORRUPTION. WE ARE GOING NOWHERE WITH THIS LEVEL OF PRIMITIVE ACCUMULATION.</blockquote>
Mtata speaks after the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/10/30/rushwaya-accomplice-implicates-1st-family-in-gold-smuggling/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">first family was recently implicated in a plot by Ms Henrietta Rushwaya the president of Zimbabwe Mining Federation to smuggle six (6) kgs of gold to Dubai.</a>
The first family had previously been linked to the alleged fraud by Drax International in which the state reportedly lost over US$60 million which was meant to procure coronavirus equipment.
The first family, however, denies any links to the alleged underhand dealings.
Zimbabwe, according to the chair of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo has <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/02/26/over-7-billion-in-cash-and-properties-stashed-outside-the-country-zacc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lost over US$7 billion through corruption</a>.
Meanwhile, the country’s budget is a paltry US$4 billion. Some observers are pessimistic that an “independent” inquiry can ever be instituted in Zimbabwe after previous commissions were greatly compromised.
Some believe the citizenry themselves can, through various means, force public office holders and the government at large to account for missing resources.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/kennethmtata/status/1322938891792515072" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rev Kenneth Mtata</a>

Mtata Calls For "Independent National Inquiry On Corruption"

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) secretary-general Kenneth Mtata said Zimbabweans should not look to South Africa for solutions to their challenges but must find a consensus among themselves.
Mtata argued that South Africa can only provide international solidarity and this does not mean that they should be responsible for finding a solution for Zimbabwe’s crisis. Said Mtata:
<blockquote>People must distinguish solidarity from an agency; South Africa is saying the struggle to find a lasting solution to Zimbabwe belongs to Zimbabweans. Zimbabweans must collectively find consensus on problem definition, possible solutions and mutually acceptable processes towards realising those solutions.
Neighbours including South Africa can only provide much-needed regional, continental and global solidarity. Solidarity doesn’t replace agency. Remember Steve Biko’s advice to the Liberal White supporters during the struggle against apartheid.</blockquote>
The cleric warned Zimbabweans that if outsiders liberate the country, they will certainly demand a stake over their freedom.
A delegation from South Africa’s ruling party was in Zimbabwe this week following a visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s envoys last month in a bid to help Harare deal with its many challenges.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/09/zimbabwe-is-in-a-mess-anc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Mtata: South Africa Won't Solve Zimbabwe's Problems

The key political principals who are MDC Alliance’s Nelson Chamisa and Zanu PF’s Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday snubbed the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHCD) meeting meant to consult stakeholders on the formation of a national dialogue process, New Zimbabwe reports.
According to Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) secretary-general Kenneth Mtata, MDC Alliance withdrew at the 11th hour:
<blockquote>MDC Alliance withdrew at the last minute and no reason was given</blockquote>
Mtata could not explain what happened to President Mnangagwa. 17 political party leaders like  Build Zimbabwe, Mthwakazi Republic Party, Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume, Nkosana Moyo (APA), Jealousy Mawarire, Linda Masarira (LEAD) and MDC-T’s Paulina Mpariwa were present.
A statement released by ZHCD outlined the meeting’s resolutions reads in part:
<blockquote>Today’s meeting is a culmination of a week of extensive bilateral engagements in which even those political parties that did not attend today’s meeting gave input. Among the challenges raised by the participants were the need for everyone to realise that the nation is in an emergency situation.
It was noted with concern that the current state of the health sector characterised by the failure by government to amicably resolve the protracted strike by medical personnel, did not augur well with the desperate need to prepare for the spiralling cases of Covid-19.
Coupled with this was the realisation that the resources mobilised for the pandemic were not being handled in ways that instilled confidence to the public. There was a huge outcry among the participants regarding the failure to implement the Constitution. While some participants raised concerns on the integrity of the current Constitution, there was unanimity that it was supposed to be implemented before it can be amended.
The participants agreed that the failure to implement and honor the Constitution had seen an increase in fear among citizens confronted by violence and many unresolved cases of abductions and systematic torture at the hands of persons alleged to be State functionaries</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mnangagwa-chamisa-snub-church-leaders-national-dialogue-meeting/">New Zimbabwe </a>

Chamisa And ED In No Show At The Churches' National Dialogue Meeting

Zimbabwe Christian Council (ZCC) secretary-general Kenneth Mtata on Monday said that his organisation has renewed efforts its efforts to bring President Emmerson Mnangagwa and main opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa to the negotiating table.
Mtata said a meeting of all political parties has been arranged by pastors and will be held in Harare on Monday next week. He said:
<blockquote>On July 13 2020, bishops will be meeting leaders of political parties for a shared reflection on the current situation and explore possible shared solutions. Some principals have already confirmed participation.
This (July 13 meeting) will be a closed-door meeting although a public communiqué will be shared with the media.
Bilateral pre-meetings are currently underway in preparation for the consultation. We are not yet able to disclose details of responses (from principals).</blockquote>
MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Clifford Hlatshwayo confirmed that his party had received the invitation from ZCC.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa told NewsDay that his party was yet to receive the invitation, but would give it due consideration when it comes.
Local clerics have been pushing for national dialogue since the July 30, 2018, disputed presidential elections.
Mnangagwa unilaterally established the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), a dialogue platform with losing candidates in the 2018 presidential elections but Chamisa has refused to be part, insisting on meeting the former one-on-one.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/07/fresh-push-for-ed-chamisa-dialogue/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Churches Renew Push For Mnangagwa, Chamisa Dialogue

Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) secretary-general Kenneth Mtata (KM) has said President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa could have achieved national development, economic and political stability if they had worked together.
He made the remarks during an interview with NewsDay (ND) Midlands reporter 
Brenna Matendere. Below are the excerpts:
<blockquote>ND: You wanted to bring Mnangagwa and Chamisa to the negotiating table. What happened to your plans? 
KM: The intention was to cultivate a culture of dialogue among Zimbabweans across different levels of society. 
Mnangagwa and Chamisa represent the largest followership of voters if we use the figures of the last election.
Their co-operation engenders a positive national atmosphere. The two could have achieved more if they co-operated than when they worked against each other. So their co-operation is what we wanted to promote since before and after the elections in 2018. We think it remains important. We must promote it. We will still do that.</blockquote>
ZCC previously proposed the<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/10/09/churches-urge-govt-to-suspend-elections-for-7-years/"> suspension of elections for 7 years</a> to allow the establishment of a recovery mechanism, rebuilding trust, developing a common national reform agenda and national economic vision.
The proposal was shot down with political players claiming the move would be a blow to democracy.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/05/chamisa-ed-talks-inevitable-mtata/">NewsDay</a>

"ED And Chamisa Could Have Achieved More Together," - Mtata

Churches have said that for Zimbabwe to come out of its economic, humanitarian and political doldrums, the citizenry has to unite around ideas and not personalities who come and go.
This was said by Dr Reverend Kenneth Mtata who is the General Secretary of Zimbabwe Council of Churches and coordinator at the National Convergence Platform during an interview with Review &amp; Mail recently. 

Mtata mentioned that there are generally three ways to look at issues. He said at some point, actors will be saying that things have to be done “my way”, “your way” or our way” adding that the third way involves the need to build something completely new ‘together.’
The reverend added that Zimbabwe should shun the first and second ways of thinking and embrace the third approach which emphasises working together. He said:
<blockquote>We think this way is necessary in Zimbabwe because we do not always have to think in terms of the binary opposites of the existing political hegemony. We hope this will emerge as Zimbabweans start to coalesce around ideas not personalities; and around issues and not the political parties.</blockquote>
His views resonate with sentiments by some analysts who say that Zimbabwe lacks a common vision to guide the nation.
More: <a href="https://www.thezimbabwemail.com/politics/zimbabwe-ready-for-third-way/">The Zimbabwe Mail</a>

"Zimbabweans Must Start To Coalesce Around Ideas Not Personalities," - Churches

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zanu-PF_Youth_League">ruling party’s youth league</a> has issued a stern warning to a cleric who warned the govt about an impending revolt if they don’t work towards solving the socio-economic crisis, the Daily News reports.
The warning was issued by the Zanu Pf youth league’s <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pupurai_Togarepi">Pupurai Togarepi</a> who said:
<blockquote>As the vanguard of the party, we would like to draw a line in the sand and warn naysayers and misguided prophets of doom to stop forthwith inciting the people of Zimbabwe, otherwise they will face the full wrath of the people’s party</blockquote>
Togarepiri was responding to ZCC Clesir Bishop Mtata who was quoted to have said the government by <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/01/07/ignoring-the-cries-of-the-vulnerable-creates-conditions-for-a-revolution-rev-mtata/">not listening to the cries of masses was creating an inevitable condition for a revolution. </a>
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2020/01/08/zanu-pf-bashes-chamisa-clerics-as-the-mdc-boss-warns-ed-that-the-window-for-talks-is-closing">Daily News</a>

Zanu PF Threatens Clerics Who Warned The Government Of An Impending Revolt With Unspecified Action

<blockquote>When I summarised the three solution models available for Zimbabwe to address its current challenges, many preferred the revolution model, because they think it will remove the root causes of all our problems once and for all.
I must admit that while I want us to remove the root causes of the problems we have in Zimbabwe, I am convinced that it is only a consensus model that can do that in a sustainable and less costly way.
Consensus is reached through dialogue, and hence require an initial deposit of humility from the parties involved. This is why many doubt whether the current actors are willing to do that. What are carrots and sticks to encourage dialogue?
Since consensus is reached thru dialogue, it is the only route that can instil TRUST and CONFIDENCE, the two ingredients we are currently missing for national convergence. Revolutions produce winners and losers and hence entrench mistrust.
Revolutions world over have tended not to deliver what they promised. Those who preside the revolution tend to be the most courageous but not necessarily the most intelligent. They then become the new oppressors. Examples abound!!
So while at face value a revolution promises a permanent solution, in reality, it can give you what you didn’t bargain for. Consensus demand exchange of ideas outcomes may not be perfect but have broad ownership.
LET’S END WITH A WARNING! A NATION THAT DOES NOT SATISFACTORILY ACT ON THE CRIES OF THE VULNERABLE, CREATES INEVITABLE CONDITIONS FOR A REVOLUTION. ONCE ITS FIRES HAVE BEEN LIT, NO AMOUNT OF AMMUNITION CAN STOP IT!</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://twitter.com/kennethmtata/status/1213435858864476160" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kennethmtata</a></h4>

Pastor Kenneth Mtata Explains Why He Prefers The Dialogue Route To Break Zim's Political Impasse

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Council_of_Churches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC)</a> has expressed anxiety over the deteriorating political and economic situation in the country.
ZCC secretary-general Reverend <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kenneth_Mtata" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kenneth Mtata</a> warned that when the cries of the vulnerable are not addressed, it creates a recipe for a revolution. Mtata wrote on Twitter:
<blockquote>Let this be a warning as we begin a new year that a nation that does not satisfactorily act on the cries of the vulnerable creates inevitable conditions for a revolution.
Once its fires have been lit, no amount of ammunition can stop it.</blockquote>
ZCC has been at the forefront in calling for dialogue between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, at one point even calling for the suspension of elections for seven years to allow the country to heal.
Mnangagwa first became the President of Zimbabwe in November 2017 following a coup which ousted longtime leader, Robert Mugabe.
In August 2018, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Constitutional_Court_of_Zimbabwe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Constitutional Court</a> declared Mnangagwa the winner of a contested presidential election that had been held the previous month.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2020/01/07/revolt-loading-churches-warn-as-they-express-fear-that-many-zimbos-are-agitating-for-a-revolution" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

Ignoring The Cries Of The Vulnerable Creates Conditions For A Revolution - Rev Mtata

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Council_of_Churches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC)</a> secretary-general <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kenneth_Mtata" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kenneth Mtata</a> has bemoaned the escalation in violence in the country as well as the spiralling of prices out of control.
Mtata told Zim Morning Post last week that Zimbabwe has become a non-peaceful country. He said:
<blockquote>The level of violence that has started to emerge in the last few weeks, particularly from the mining community, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/MaShurugwi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mashurugwis</a>, is heartrending.
The gulf that is growing between the State and its institutions, including the escalation of prices which do not match the incomes of citizens, is worrisome.</blockquote>
The clergyman added that it is regrettable that institutions like Doves and Nyaradzo Funeral Services had increased shifts in order to process deaths.
This sad development is due to the absence of doctors in hospitals, a situation that could have been avoided, he said.
<h4>More: <a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/intransigence-big-blow-to-peace-in-zim-mtata/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zim Morning Post</a></h4>

Zimbabwe Is Now A Non-peaceful Country - Churches

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Council_of_Churches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC)</a> secretary-general <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kenneth_Mtata" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kenneth Mtata</a> has urged MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to swallow his pride and accept that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is the legitimate Head of State.
Mtata made the remarks during an interview with State media where he also called for inclusive political dialogue. He said:
<blockquote>Dialogue is imminent, but it is just a matter of time. President Mnangagwa is the Head of State and Government. He is our statesman. 
He has the keys for dialogue, (the) MDC-A leader should swallow his pride and engage and consider President Mnangagwa as the President of Zimbabwe. Dialogue is coming, we need to prepare for it, but it might take time. We do not need foreign intervention.</blockquote>
Chamisa rejected the outcome of the 2018 presidential election in which President Mnangagwa was declared the winner.
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Constitutional_Court_of_Zimbabwe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Constitutional Court</a> did not find any evidence of rigging after Chamisa launched an appeal to have the election results set aside.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/churches-call-for-inclusive-political-dialogue/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Churches Tell Chamisa To Swallow His Pride & Recognise ED

The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) will launch the National Convergence Platform (NCP) on 13 December, a platform that will allow a coming together of non-political actors who believe that national dialogue is the panacea to Zimbabwe’s perennial problems.
This was revealed by ZHOCD secretary-general <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kenneth_Mtata" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kenneth Mtata</a> in a statement on Monday. He said:
<blockquote>Explorations are at an advanced stage to have one eminent African to speak at the launch in addition to the colourful array of our local speakers.
Such convergence is a huge breakthrough considering there were many voices talking about the national dialogue without a common position.</blockquote>
In August this year, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/church-leaders-call-for-inclusive-national-dialogue/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZHOCD urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to explore the possibility of accelerating much-needed dialogue</a> in this time of deepening national division and despair.
In October, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/full-text-church-leaders-call-for-suspension-of-elections-for-seven-years/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the clergymen called for a suspension of elections for seven years</a> to allow for the rebuilding of trust and confidence and allow the country to chart a shared way forward towards a comprehensive economic recovery path in a non-competitive political environment.
<h3>More:<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/11/churches-crank-up-pressure-for-national-dialogue/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> NewsDay</a></h3>

Church Leaders Escalate Push For National Dialogue

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has warned the government that banning demonstrations will make leaders unaccountable and force citizens to use unlawful ways to express their grievances.
ZCC general secretary Kenneth Mtata said that such bans will inevitably lead to the so-called “Third Force” taking advantage and fomenting chaos causing security agencies to lose focus.
The respected clergyman also lamented the church’s unenviable position in Zimbabwe, that the institution is in No Man’s land. Said Mtata:
<blockquote>Risks of stopping official demonstrations, you have no leadership accountability. Unaccountability deteriorates into lawlessness, criminal elements and so-called ‘Third force’ take advantage. Chaos scares international investors. With time law enforcement agencies lose focus.
… Dilemmas of churches’ public engagement raise justice issues you are labelled opposition sympathiser. Call for dialogue you are labelled ruling party sympathiser. Engage political actors, you are labelled too political. Avoid public engagement, become an irrelevant church.</blockquote>
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently told Zimbabwean churches that the absence of dialogue with opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa was because of the latter’s intransigence.
President Mnangagwa wrote to the churches, telling them that he will not give preferential treatment to Chamisa and that the opposition leader has to come and join others within the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) framework. He wrote:
<blockquote>At commemorations of Heroes and Defence Forces days, I again made a passionate call for national dialogue and national unity for the sake of peace and progress of our nation.
The MDC leader is still to requite my goodwill, so repeatedly and unconditionally expressed and extended.
Much worse, he is still to respect the legitimate will of the Zimbabwean people, as expressed in the results of the 2018 harmonised elections, which the MDC unsuccessfully contested through the Constitutional Court.
Repeatedly, the rhetoric from the MDC is one of threatening to overturn the constitutional order ushered in by these internationally observed harmonised elections.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/08/21/churches-warn-ed-on-demos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

Churches Warn Govt That Banning Demos Will Result In Chaos

The government has reportedly placed security forces on high alert as there are fears of mass social unrest as a result of the economic deterioration.
Government officials have blamed businesses for the escalating prices of goods and services which have led to despondency and anger among citizens.
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has reportedly called for a meeting with senior security officials on Tuesday to discuss the gloomy economic situation. ZCC general-secretary Kenneth Mtata said:
<blockquote>We have started knocking on some doors which we think are important so that we can go back to this (national dialogue) process. The economy is now a security threat.
The way things are going; if prices continue the way they are going up, that is something that we are really afraid of as we may come to a point where the majority of the population does not know whether they are going or coming back.
If the majority of citizens are not sure if the situation is changing for the better and then they reach a frustration point where they say they have nothing to lose; that becomes a dangerous turn.</blockquote>
While the government has blamed sanctions and businesses for the deteriorating economic situation, economic analyst Godfrey Kanyenze said its history repeating itself. He said:
<blockquote>History is repeating itself. If you go back to 2004, businesspeople were called economic saboteurs.
Government has a knack for blaming either sanctions or business whenever there is a crisis.
When you float the exchange rate and when there is no foreign currency, the prices will go one way – up. It’s not rocket science.</blockquote>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/22/unjustified-price-hikes-a-security-threat-mliswa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Unjustified Price Hikes A Security Threat – Mliswa</a></h4>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/22/sb-moyo-warns-businesses-that-govt-will-enforce-discipline/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SB Moyo Warns Businesses That Govt Will Enforce Discipline</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/28/retailers-hike-prices-of-basics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Retailers Hike Prices Of Basics</a></h4>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/09/price-increase-affected-retail-volumes-statistics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Price Increase Affected Retail Volumes – Statistics</a></h4>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/17/full-text-consumer-rights-association-threatens-consumer-mass-action-over-price-hikes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FULL TEXT: Consumer Rights Association Threatens Consumer Mass Action Over Price Hikes</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2019/04/26/mnangagwa-govt-fears-unrest-over-meltdown/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Independent</a></h4>

Govt Fearful Of Mass Social Unrest Over Hardships

Zimbabwe Council of Churches president Kenneth Mtata said that part of the envisaged national dialogue should deal with the crimes committed in the past.
Mtata said this while during an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent. Asked if atrocities committed in the past be discussed as part of the national dialogue, Mtata said:
<blockquote>Actually, the national dialogue must mark those who committed crimes to be able to say that they are sorry about what happened.
It must enable those who were wronged to say “I forgive you”. It should create an environment that brings about closure. I know that sometimes there is tension between justice and peace.
But should we say to those who committed crimes “now we have the opportunity to put you all in prison”, or should we say “if you just confess what happened, you are going to walk scot-free”?
That is the reason why we need dialogue because it allows us to bring those issues to a closure which many people agree on and identify with.
At the moment we haven’t reached that point and that is why we cannot say we need to go the peace route or the justice route, what we need is dialogue.</blockquote>
<h4>Read Also:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/03/01/national-dialogue-should-involve-all-citizens-churches/">National Dialogue Should Involve All Citizens – Churches</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2019/03/01/legitimacy-of-national-political-processes-the-real-issue-mtata/">Zimbabwe Independent</a></h4>

National Dialogue Should Deal With Crimes Committed In The Past - Mtata

Zimbabwe Independent reporters (ZI) Tinashe Kairiza and Lisa Tazviinga interviewed the general secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) Reverend Dr Mtata (RM).
Below are excerpts from the interview:
<blockquote>ZI: We ask this question because there have been suggestions that this national dialogue process should not encompass other stakeholders but should rather be confined to the MDC-Alliance and Zanu PF. Is that your view as well?
RM: That is a misreading of things. Actually, there is what we call a political settlement — it is between those who are contesting what happened, and we are not part of this. There is a comprehensive broad-based national dialogue, this is our interest.
The former contributes to the latter but we cannot be held to ransom by disagreements at a political level. For example, we are not asking questions about the legitimacy of the President, it’s not our question, but it’s a question that politicians are asking among themselves.
What we don’t want in this national dialogue process is to fuse individual interest groups to shape the whole agenda of the dialogue.
For example, the process that the President is having now with political leaders, it is relevant and important, but for us, it is not the national dialogue.
The national dialogue is bigger, and it involves more actors and it asks all citizens to participate.
It is not an elite process. It is a process that must encompass everyone and, therefore, it raises the broader question, not the specific questions that are being raised at these conversations.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2019/03/01/legitimacy-of-national-political-processes-the-real-issue-mtata/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Independent</a></h4>

National Dialogue Should Involve All Citizens - Churches

Reverend Dr Kenneth Mtata,  who is the general secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/kennethmtata/status/1090700998279118850" rel="noopener" target="_blank">has turned down an appointment</a> to be part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s advisory council.
Mtata was named among a 26 member Presidential Advisory Council by President Mnangagwa on Wednesday evening. The advisory council is meant to advise Mnangagwa and government on a wide range of sectoral issues. In a letter Mtata said his current position as ZCC general secretary would limit effective functioning in Mnangagwa’s advisory council. Mtata’s letter reads:
<blockquote> It has been brought to my attention today that my name has been included on the list of individuals appointed to serve as members of the Presidential Advisory Council. The same has been announced on national television. I feel really flattered to be invited to serve the nation and President in such a role in a moment as this. My current position will however limit effective functioning in such a huge role. I have therefore humbly withdrawn my name. The President will be fully briefed of my commitment to the Nation Building agenda and I will support his efforts in other ways within my capabilities.</blockquote>
<h2>Related:</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/presidential-advisory-council-list-leaked/">Breaking: Emmerson Mnangagwa Forms Presidential Advisory Council – List Leaked</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/how-zimbabweans-are-reacting-to-mnangagwas-new-advisory-council/" rel="bookmark">How Zimbabweans Are Reacting To Mnangagwa’s New Advisory Council</a></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/full-document-statement-on-announcing-the-establishment-of-presidential-advisory-council/" rel="bookmark">Full Document: Statement Announcing Establishment Of Presidential Advisory Council</a></h3>
</li>
</ul>

Nelson Chamisa Latest News

Latest Jobs