
Nelson Chamisa Biography
Zimbabwean Politician
Popularity Rank: #201
Contents
Biography
Nelson Chamisa, born on 2 February 1978, is a prominent Zimbabwean politician and the current President of the Citizens Coalition For Change. Hailing from the town of Masvingo, Chamisa has been a significant figure in Zimbabwean politics, having served in various capacities including as a Member of the House of Assembly for Kuwadzana East, Harare, and as a cabinet minister in the Government of National Unity of Zimbabwe.
Nelson Chamisa | |
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Full Name | Nelson Chamisa |
Born | February 2, 1978 (age 45) |
Nationality | Zimbabwean |
Occupation | Politician |
Relationship Status | Married |
Education | University of Zimbabwe |
Awards | Not Available |
Organization | MDC |
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Contact UsEarly Life
- Nelson Chamisa was born in the small town of Masvingo in 1978.
- He pursued his education at Harare Polytechnic and the University of Zimbabwe.
Education
- Chamisa holds a Masters in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Zimbabwe.
- He also has a degree in Governance and Development Studies from Stanford University in California, USA.
- He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration, and an LLB (Honours) from the University of Zimbabwe.
- Chamisa is a qualified lawyer and has been associated with the Harare law firm Atherstone and Cook since November 2014.
- In 2016, he obtained a degree in Pentecostal Theology from Living Waters Theological Seminary of Harare, affiliated with the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe.
Career
Political Journey
- Chamisa began his political journey as the chairperson of the MDC Youth Assembly.
- In 2003, at the age of 25, he became the youngest Member of Parliament.
- He was elected as the MDC Alliance’s spokesman in June 2006 and later as the party’s organising secretary in April 2011.
- In Parliament, Chamisa chaired various portfolio committees, including Defence and Home Affairs, Public Accounts, Gender and Youth, and Transport and Communications.
- He was also a member of the Local Government, Public Works & Urban Development, and the African Caribbean and Pacific Parliament.
- Chamisa was a former secretary-general of the Zimbabwe National Students Union.
- In 2009, he was designated as the Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology in the national unity government.
- He served as a cabinet minister from February 2009 to July 2013.
- Chamisa also served as the Movement for Democratic Change’s organising secretary but lost the position of party Secretary-General in 2014 to Douglas Mwonzora.
- In 2016, he was appointed as co-Vice President of the MDC.
- Following the passing of party leader Morgan Tsvangirai in 2018, Chamisa was appointed acting president of the MDC for 12 months.
- He contested the 2018 presidential election but lost to ZANU PF’s Mnangagwa in a disputed election.
Challenges and Controversies
- In March 2007, Chamisa was attacked at Harare International Airport, resulting in a hospitalization with a broken skull.
- He faced power struggles within the MDC, especially after the passing of Morgan Tsvangirai.
- Chamisa challenged the 2018 election results in Zimbabwe’s constitutional court but was unsuccessful.
Awards and Nominations
- Not Available
Personal Life
- Chamisa’s political beliefs have been characterized as Christian social conservative and economic progressive.
- He has had evolving views on Zionism and has made controversial remarks regarding homosexuality, referencing biblical figures Adam and Eve.
Source: Wikipedia