Bankrupt CCC tells candidates to fund own campaigns

Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor 

THE Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has instructed its candidates in the upcoming elections to fund their own campaigns amid indications that the party is struggling to gather adequate resources to launch its campaign.

The party has failed to attract donor funds as has been the norm owing to its failure to have structures. This has seen the CCC’s campaign trail taking off to a false start with the party still scrounging for resources to fund their campaign as traditional partners have decided to look aside.

According to party sources, candidates have been informed to fund their own campaigns, with some already taking to social media to request for donations. In Bulawayo, Emakhandeni-Luveve candidate for the national assembly, Mr Discent Collins Bajila took to Facebook to call on Zimbabweans in South Africa to help fund his campaign.

“Hello. We respond to Zimbabweans in South Africa who wish to support our Emakhandeni- Luveve Campaign. Here are the numbers to e-wallet. We will add another one in due course. Kindly send proof of transfer and any pin via WhatsApp,” reads the post.

Responding to questions from users on how they could assist besides through donating money, Mr Bajila said he required t-shirts. Party sources revealed that some candidates have been advised to approach candidates who fell by the wayside during the party’s chaotic candidate selection process for financial assistance.

“It honestly does not make sense that after the manner that some of us were treated in the selection process, the party is now saying we should assist with funds for the campaign, with Chamisa himself saying we must look at the ‘bigger picture’, saying they will find a role for us to play in the new government. The reality is the party is broke, which is why up to now there has been no national launch of the campaign trail, the leadership is still trying to gather funds for the printing of campaign material and all other requirements,” said the source.

Mr Chamisa’s bid to have the United States fund his campaign trail went up in smoke as the US government shut the door in his face citing a litany of undemocratic practices, and also alleged abuse of previous funds.

The country is set to go for elections on 23 August and political parties, inclusive of the ruling Zanu-PF are busy on the ground campaigning and delivering their manifestos to the electorate.