Nelson Chamisa and his sole advisor: The Holy Spirit
Zimbabwean opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has sparked a heated debate after declaring that his sole advisor is the Holy Spirit. This statement, made amid his former party’s turmoil, has divided opinions across the nation.
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Chamisa made the bold declaration while challenging the assertion that he is a loner who does not consult when making decisions.
This comes in the wake of his abrupt resignation from the CCC party. In defending his actions, Nelson Chamisa insisted that he always seeks guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Speaking to Voice of America’s Studio 7 on his 46th birthday, Chamisa declared:
“People make the mistake of thinking that I do things as an individual. No, there are forces, you know, I have one chief advisor. People will say ‘Who is his advisor?’ The Holy Spirit is the powerful advisor for each and every human being.
“Our God is a God of the mountain, He is also the God of the valley. So whenever things are okay or they are bad, God is still a God and is the author. He styles it the best.
“We do our best as vessels, as human beings, but ultimately, there is the ultimate one. So the secret for me is really to seek His face and to be guided by our Father because we have a Father in heaven, and he is the author of our being, substance and, of course, our essence, our purpose. Many people have not understood they think ‘Oh this guy is just giving us verses!’”
“People make the mistake of thinking that I do things as an individual. People say ‘who is his advisor’. I have one chief advisor, the Holy Spirit…”
Chamisa addreses criticism about his faith on @Studio7VOA pic.twitter.com/7EGoBHmyHn
— Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) February 3, 2024
While Chamisa’s assertion may resonate with some, many Zimbabweans have expressed skepticism and concern. Some argue that such religious rhetoric is more suitable for pastoral contexts rather than political leadership.
Critics have emphasized the need for a clear distinction between religious beliefs and political governance. They argue that leaders should be accountable and answerable to their constituents, not solely to spiritual guidance.
Many have urged Chamisa to adopt a more pragmatic approach, suggesting that his reliance on divine guidance could alienate voters and undermine his credibility as a political leader, especially at a time when he appears to have been outfoxed by both his internal and external political rivals.
Some Zimbabweans have drawn parallels between Chamisa’s statements and the sensational claims of Prophet Talent Madungwe, known for his fantastical narratives about divine encounters. This comparison has raised questions about the appropriateness of mixing religious fervour with political leadership.
Social Media Responds to Chamisa’s claims:
Below are some of the responses from Zimbabweans on social media to Nelson Chamisa’s claims that the Holy Ghost is his advisor:
Blessing Shadaya tweeted,
“Everything Chamisa said is perfectly fine…..for a pastor. In politics, it will be ambiguous to many.”
Bouff Daddy Praise expressed concern, tweeting,
“This is another reason why we keep reinforcing the need to separate the Church and the State. As a leader of a national movement, you need to be accountable and answerable to someone. Those who have questions or concerns cannot engage with Spirit about your reasoning.”
Thandekile Moyo pointed out,
“Nah. Issues of governance must be separated from personal beliefs. This sounds very dictatorial, You can’t be a leader on earth, But only be accountable to your faith. He needs to surround himself with brilliant people who are experts in different fields.”
Max Lion voiced skepticism, tweeting,
“All I can say is if the right people don’t do the right thing, the wrong people will. Is this how he was doing his politics from 2018 to 2024 and educated people were following him and defending him?”
Indlovu raised doubts, tweeting,
“Guys. This guy is a pastor and should be confined to church. I need people who believe in him to think deeply about what they’re endorsing otherwise they’re just like vana vapapa.”
Some Zimbabweans advised Chamisa to be practical about the situation and not seem like he has his head stuck in the clouds. Some even uncharitably compared him to Prophet Talent Madungwe, who is renowned for his fantastic and outlandish statements about his interactions with God and the heavenly armies.
While Nelson Chamisa’s declaration of the Holy Spirit as his advisor may resonate with some supporters, it has ignited a wider debate about the intersection of religion and politics. As Zimbabwe navigates its political landscape, questions persist about the appropriate role of faith in governance.
