By Zivanai Dhewa

The MDC Alliance and its leader Nelson Chamisa have been castigated for constantly turning national disasters into opportunities for political grandstanding.

On his Twitter handle, MDC Alliance Spokesperson Dr Nkululeko Sibanda posted what appears to be trumpet blowing for Chamisa at the same time going at pains to discredit government efforts of rescuing the victims of Cyclone Idai in Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland East Provinces.

“In the MDC, when there is a national disaster, all hands are on deck providing an example for government and putting the idea of the social contract into place.  President Chamisa goes toward the cyclone today to assess the situation to lead from the front,” said Sibanda.

Political activist and Spokesperson for the MDC T faction, Linda Masarira attacked Sibanda and his boss Chamisa for prioritising photo shooting in the affected areas without rendering any meaningful assistance to the affected.

“After a day’s photo shoots and political posturing, what’s next?  How many were assisted? We need serious leaders determined to make a difference and inspire positive transformation beyond political grandstanding.

“I’m afraid that some of my fellow politicians will run front and centre trying to capitalise on this catastrophe by offering either sweet talk of meagre unsustainable assistance simply for political reasons,” said Masarira.

Another netizen identified as Mike Clarance also added that, “Mr Chamisa can’t resist a photo opportunity, even where it’s so insensitive where people just suffered from a natural disaster especially when Chamisa hasn’t got any capacity to offer any type of help.”

Another MDC Alliance supporter, Patson Dzamara was criticised for trying to apportion blame on President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“This is not time to play blame games whether he was in Zimbabwe or not, the disaster was inevitable. What could President Mnangagwa have done to stop Cyclone Idai, show maturity and leadership by joining hands with all progressive forces that are working towards assisting victims of the cyclone,” roared Linda.

It has become a habit for MDC Alliance leaders and its members to take advantage of disasters in the country as a way of advancing their political interests. During September and October 2018 cholera pandemic, Nelson Chamisa rushed for photo shooting while other leaders where busy mobilising resources to help the people in need. 

During the worst strike by the country’s doctors, Chamisa went for photo shoot with the patience and rendered no assistance.  Instead of mobilising assistance for the affected people, he would rather fill up his social media platforms with photos of himself and the affected. 

When a country is faced with a disaster, it is time to remove the political barriers and join hands together to tackle the effects and make it bearable for the affected.  One would think this would have been an opportune time for Chamisa to cash in on the US$15 billion that he was promised by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, but instead he chooses to leave the burden to government and its development partners while he takes photos instead.