By NYASHA CHUMA, Harare
ZIMBABWE opposition youth assembly leaders have “relocated” to the United States and Norway on “medical grounds” amid accusations from within that they have abandoned the “struggle” and moved overseas in search of greener pastures.
Youth chairperson, Obey Tererai Sithole and organising secretary, Godfrey Kurauone insist they remain committed to the fight for change and are capable of leading the opposition youth wing from their new “temporary” bases.
However, the Nelson Chamisa led formation appeared unconvinced, moving early this week to elevate Cecilia Chimbiri to the post of acting youth chairperson, replacing Sithole who was given four-months sick leave for an undisclosed ailment.
While their party posts are on shaky ground, Sithole and Kurauone risk being declared fugitives from justice as they are currently fighting criminal nuisance charges that are before the courts.
Sithole’s trial is set for October 8 while Kurauone has been declared at large for skipping routine remand while away in Washington, USA.
Legal Practitioner Obey Shava who is representing Sithole said contrary to suggestions that Sithole fled the court’s jurisdiction, his client was eager to return home and have his day in court.
“At the moment it’s a fact that he is not around for good reasons but I am quite hopeful that he will be back in time for his trial,” Shava told Zim Morning Post.
“He is very innocent and he is facing a weak case and he wants to prove his innocence. That is why he has been pushing the state to furnish him with a trial date and it will be inconsistent with what he has done from the day he was arrested. He wants his day in court so surely someone with that attitude cannot run away from that trial,” Shava added.
Speaking from his new base in Washington, Kurauone said his return to Zimbabwe was imminent but he could not be drawn into giving a specific date.
“The issue is I am still the organizing secretary of the youth assembly. Nothing has changed up until a time I have resigned but there is no reason to do that. I still have an obligation as far as fighting Zanu PF tyranny is concerned,” Kurauone said.
Kurauone said he anticipates being arrested on his return but is unfazed.
“That’s an issue that will be dealt with by the lawyers. Warrant of arrests when given and can be cancelled. I have a valid reason why I have not been able to attend court,” he said.
The former Masvingo MDC Councillor said he has not yet started making plans to return home.
“I don’t know when I will be back. I can’t say “expect me tomorrow or expect me next month, at the moment I am still undergoing treatment.”
On internal rumblings angry at him for leading remotely, Kurauone said his location does not hinder his ability to get things done.
“As you know even if you call for congress for MDC there will be 13 congresses including USA, UK and SA. Meaning nditori paground (I am on the ground). Leadership is an art of getting things done. If you can make things done.”
He added that it was unjust to compare the Sithole led youth wing to that of yesteryear amid a renewed push from within to oust him for failing to infuse a robust approach to dealing with Zanu PF.
The opposition’s youth assembly prides itself in being a key driver for change but has been conspicuous in tackling the ruling party’s shortcomings.
“It’s only been a year since we came in. Let’s be patient,” he said.
“As a leader who is not selfish and if I see that I still have a lot to do here I should be in a position to say let’s say someone take over but at the moment I am still the organizing secretary. To the people of Zimbabwe, the youth assembly is very strong and it will deliver a New Canaan. I am quite sure that upon arriving at the airport I will be arrested. But I have to come home. It’s my home.”
The former MDC Alliance councillor from Masvingo was in 2020 held without bail for 42 days before being acquitted on a charge of obstructing the free movement of traffic and participating in an illegal demonstration.
Kurauone’s arrest and denial of bail was met with heavy criticism including the demand for his release by the former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
