Nelson Chamisa is a Zimbabwean politician and the current leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), a coalition of opposition parties that aims to challenge the ruling ZANU-PF party in the 2023 elections.
Chamisa is a charismatic and eloquent speaker who has a large following among the youth and urban voters.
He is also a lawyer, a pastor, and a former cabinet minister.
In this article, we will explore his background, achievements, challenges, and aspirations.
Who is Nelson Chamisa?
Nelson Chamisa is the son of a carpenter and a vendor who grew up in rural Zimbabwe.
Beginning his political journey at a young age, he took on various pivotal roles.
In 1998, he assumed the position of secretary-general for the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU).
The following year, he co-founded the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), which emerged as the primary opposition to Robert Mugabe’s regime.
His ascent within the MDC was remarkable, as he held successive roles such as spokesperson, organizing secretary, youth leader, and vice president.
Following Morgan Tsvangirai’s passing in 2018, he took the helm of the MDC Alliance.
In the same year, he contested the presidential election, narrowly losing to Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Disputing the results due to alleged rigging, he refused to acknowledge Mnangagwa as the rightful president.
Subsequently, he has led his party and coalition in advocating for electoral reforms and democratic progress in Zimbabwe.
Was Nelson Chamisa a minister?
Yes, Nelson Chamisa was a minister of information communication technology from 2009 to 2013, during the Government of National Unity (GNU) that was formed after the disputed 2008 elections.
He was appointed by the late Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), who became the prime minister under a power-sharing agreement with Robert Mugabe, the former president.
Chamisa was the youngest cabinet minister at the time and was praised for his efforts to improve internet access and mobile network coverage in the country.
Nelson Chamisa age
Nelson Chamisa was born on February 2, 1978, in Fort Victoria, Rhodesia (now Masvingo, Zimbabwe).
He is 45 years old as of 2023.
Raised in Gutu, he pursued his education at Alheit High School, where his remarkable athleticism earned him the moniker “Mhepo” (wind).
His academic journey took him to Harare Polytechnic and the University of Zimbabwe.
It was there that he secured a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration, as well as a law degree.
Additionally, he holds a degree in Pentecostal theology from Harare’s Living Waters Theological Seminary.
Nelson Chamisa wife
Nelson Chamisa is married to Sithokozile Chamisa, who is also a lawyer by profession and works for a local NGO.
The couple met at the University of Zimbabwe and tied the knot in 2010.
Sithokozile is from Chipinge and belongs to the Ndau tribe.
She is a supportive and loyal partner to her husband and often accompanies him to political rallies and events.
Nelson Chamisa wife age
Sithokozile Chamisa’s age is not publicly known, as she prefers to keep a low profile and avoid media attention.
However, some sources suggest that she is around the same age as her husband or slightly younger.
She celebrates her birthday on April 15 every year.
Nelson Chamisa children
Nelson Chamisa and Sithokozile Chamisa have one child together, a son named Ashley Chamisa.
Ashley was born in 2012 and is their only child so far.
Ashley attends a private school in Harare and is said to be very intelligent and well-behaved.
Nelson Chamisa house and cars
Nelson Chamisa lives in a lavish house in Harare, which he bought in 2018 for $300,000.
The house has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, two lounges, a dining room, a kitchen, a study, a gym, a swimming pool, and a garage.
It is surrounded by a high wall and an electric fence for security purposes.
Nelson Chamisa also owns several cars, which he uses for his personal and political activities.
Some of the cars he has been seen driving include a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a Range Rover Sport, a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and a Ford Ranger.
Conclusion
Nelson Chamisa is one of the most prominent and influential figures in Zimbabwean politics today.
His journey from a student activist to the forefront of the main opposition coalition aiming to bring an end to ZANU-PF’s longstanding rule in 2023 is remarkable.
Throughout his trajectory, he has confronted numerous challenges and controversies, yet his accomplishments and recognitions are equally noteworthy.
His visionary leadership, bravery, charisma, and articulate expression garner admiration from many quarters.
Without a doubt, Nelson Chamisa has firmly established himself as a formidable presence within Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
