By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Zimbabwean UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo has strongly renounced allegations linking him to the ruling ZANU-PF party, which arose in the wake of his swift 52-second defeat in a recent fight.
The loss ignited a firestorm of criticism online, leading to a heated discussion on social media regarding his political affiliations.
In response to these accusations, Gorimbo took to his social media platforms to clarify his stance, specifically addressing remarks from most vocal critics, referring to him as “the ZANU-PF fighter”. In a candid post, he expressed his discontent with the unfounded claims.
“I am never politically involved in my country and don’t know where this guy is getting his information from,” Gorimbo asserted.
He elaborated on his past visit to Zimbabwe’s State House in 2021, asserting that it was purely professional.
“Yes, I’ve been to the State House… because it’s our president, and if you accomplish something in your field that has never been achieved by any countryman before, you’re invited to meet him. That doesn’t mean you’re politically involved,” he added.
Gorimbo emphasized his commitment to political neutrality, stating he has relationships with notable individuals on both sides of the political spectrum, including former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.
“I am not part of any political parties in Zimbabwe and never did I criticize any party. The opposition party leader, I know him and grew up near his family in Masvingo, but still, I am not part of any party. I am a free man, and I support freedom,” he noted.
He addressed the criticism head-on, urging people to focus on his athletic career rather than drag him into Zimbabwe’s toxic political arena.
“Be happy about my loss, but don’t involve me in your stories of politics,” he said.
He also clarified a previous comment that had drawn ire, stating, “As for the Winky D story, it was just a mere joke that ended up being an insult. I apologized because I respect and love his songs.”
As Tembo Gorimbo grapples with the fallout from his recent fight, he remains firm in his assertion of political independence, urging fans and critics alike to separate his sporting setbacks from his personal beliefs.