Nelson Chamisa 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
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

Early 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