…As Opposition Figures Seek Comeback
By [Thabani Zororai] | July 8, 2025
Professor Jonathan Moyo’s now-famous observation that “it’s cold out there”—a reference to being outside the ruling ZANU PF—resonates far beyond his own political experience. It encapsulates a deeper truth about Zimbabwean politics: prolonged absence from the political arena can be politically and personally frigid. Recent developments confirm this as some prominent opposition figures, long relegated to the side-lines, now seek a return to political relevance.
Tendai Biti Plots His Return
Tendai Biti, a seasoned but controversial figure in Zimbabwe’s opposition landscape, has resurfaced with plans to convert his pressure group—the Forum for Constitutional Protection (FCP)—into a full-fledged political party.
Driven by the discomfort of political obscurity and a desire to reassert his influence, Biti has deployed a five-member team to spearhead grassroots mobilization. This team—tasked with establishing provincial and branch structures across Zimbabwe—includes:
- George Gwarada, former MDC Mashonaland Central chair
- Tafadzwa Chirombe
- Hebert Gomba, ex-Harare mayor
- Peter Marange, former CCC Harare organiser
- George Mbwende
Borrowing from the West?
Interestingly, Biti’s proposed party structure borrows inspiration from Western democracies. His organizational framework includes:
- Federal Level – Provincial operations
- Chapters – District level
- Community Assemblies – Ward-level participation
- Units – Branch-level activity
This bears a curious resemblance to the structures of parties like the US Democratic Party, UK Labour Party, and Canada’s Liberal Party—though whether the model translates effectively to Zimbabwe’s political context remains to be seen.
Democratic Space vs. Political Noise
Zimbabwe’s democratic architecture welcomes the participation of multiple political voices. Under the Political Parties (Finance) Act, all parties with parliamentary representation are entitled to state funding. However, simply crowding the field with splinter parties lacking vision or mass support does little to serve the electorate.
Tendai Biti’s political comeback, especially given the collapse of his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and his controversial past, raises questions about whether he brings anything new to Zimbabwe’s political discourse—or is merely recycling failed ideas.
A History of Fractures and Failures
Biti’s track record is marred by internal opposition disputes, factionalism, and leadership wrangles:
- Expelled from MDC-T after trying to dethrone Morgan Tsvangirai
- Formed MDC Renewal, then broke off again to launch PDP
- Abandoned PDP to rejoin MDC Alliance, which evolved into CCC
- Marginalized by Nelson Chamisa in recent years
Biti’s career has been defined less by stability and results, and more by fragmentation and political opportunism. His current efforts appear to follow a familiar pattern of forming a new party to stay afloat—this time possibly with an eye on political financing.
The Finance Minister Who Left a Bad Taste
Biti often touts his role as Zimbabwe’s former Finance Minister, portraying himself as the best the nation ever had. But many Zimbabweans remember his time in office differently. While he held the reins during the unity government years, he failed to implement lasting economic reforms or build significant infrastructure.
One infamous incident still lingers in the public memory—his response to civil servants demanding salary increases. Instead of empathy, he reportedly quipped they should “follow him to the toilet to see if he could defecate money.” This tone-deaf remark became emblematic of his disconnect from the ordinary citizen’s struggles.
Seeking Relevance or Genuine Reform?
Given this checkered past, it’s difficult to view Biti’s return as anything other than an attempt to maintain political relevance and possibly access donor funds. Zimbabweans must remain vigilant and ask tough questions:
Does the nation really benefit from the recycling of opposition figures who have already had their shot?
It’s time for new, principled leadership that puts people over ambition—not political fossils chasing the spotlight.
Final Thought
While Zimbabwe remains open to a vibrant multi-party democracy, citizens deserve genuine alternatives, not retreads of yesterday’s failures. Tendai Biti’s latest manoeuvres may warm him from the cold of obscurity—but whether they ignite public support remains to be seen.
