HARARE - Nelson Chamisa, Zimbabwe’s prominent opposition figure, on Monday posted a cryptic message on X signaling the impending launch of his new political vehicle known as “Chapwati.”
“CHAPWATI loading…ZeveZeve, Hoche Koche, Dandemutande. Sizanyenyeza, Mlungelunge, Ubulembu,” Chamisa wrote alongside a photo of himself.
The post, which had garnered more than 900 likes and hundreds of replies within hours, uses onomatopoeic Shona expressions evoking whispers, rumbling momentum, sweeping reach and buzzing energy.
Chamisa has repeatedly teased “Chapwati” — a term implying a powerful new engine or structure - as the next phase of his political movement following challenges with the Citizens Coalition for Change.
The former MDC Alliance leader has positioned himself as a key challenger to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF.
He has not yet provided specifics on the structure, timing or leadership of the new initiative.
Reactions on X reflected the polarized landscape of Zimbabwean politics.
Supporters expressed anticipation, while some critics voiced impatience over repeated teases without concrete follow-through.
One user wrote earlier: “Chamisa anopenga uyu, he promised Chapwati, where’s Chapwati?”
Another post associated with the movement noted: “Mr Chamisa, Chapwati. These MPs do not deserve condemnation; they deserve to be commended for their bravery and pragmatic statesmanship.”
The Harare Times, a local news portal, summarized the post as Chamisa promising “to form a political party and take over power from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
Chamisa has not issued further clarification on the post as of Monday afternoon.
In another post on X, Chamisa pushed back on speculation around “CAB3,” dismissing talk that any arrangement had been finalized.
“Those claiming that CAB3 is a ‘done deal’ are either deluding themselves or deliberately attempting to mislead,” he wrote. “Deep down, they know that nothing without the citizens is ever final. In any society, nothing can be done for the citizens without the citizens.”
He continued: “The citizens are the ultimate decision-makers; they alone have the authority to endorse, reject, or seal any deal. As things stand, there is no done deal. In fact, there is no deal at all. Any arrangement that lacks the consent and participation of the citizens remains incomplete and illegitimate.”
When a follower asked what are the solutions to the CAB3 dispute Chamisa said he could not disclose the plans on social media.