Tribute to Morgan Tsvangirai

Morgan Tsvangirai (Credit: Bulawayo24)

February 14 2018 is a day that will go down in history for the events that unfolded. Jacob Zuma’s resignation later on last night might have over shadowed the death of an icon. Yet waking up this morning to the news of Morgan Tsvangirai (MT)’s death has unleashed the historical achievements of this great Zimbabwean.

I believe we were lucky to have lived in the time of such a great leader, a true democrat. I was never a card carrying member of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) but I adored its leader and felt heartbroken as I read about his death. Many in my generation, may not have known MT on a personal level, but “Save” as he was popularly known brought hope to most young Zimbabweans born after independence. Tsvangirai made us dare to dream that democratic change was possible in Zimbabwe and that prosperity could be ushered into our country in a democratic way.

He was a defender of human rights which the Mugabe regime constantly trampled on throughout the years. My admiration for MT began in 1998 when he was Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and led the infamous food riots. I was only in form one at the time, but it was then I became more enlightened of the political crisis that was unravelling in my country. The riots enabled me to view MT as the saviour the masses had been clamouring for to lead them to a better Zimbabwe. My wishes became true the following year when he formed the MDC. The party drew its membership from esteemed academics, activists, union members, politicians across the racial and tribal lines, university graduates and professors. The party appealed to the young and struggling working class. Tsvangirai rose to fame and the slogan “Chinja maitiro, Guqula Izenzo” became trendy. The open palm symbol of the party caused chaos as even the ruling party struggled to comprehend with the new opposition. Hope of political change was driven by Tsvangirai and in the 2000 parliamentary elections the party surprised its opponents when they won 57 of the 120 seats. 

Fast forward to 2008 harmonised elections, the gravy train had reached its peak as MT defeated Robert Mugabe in a heavily contested election. The disputed election led to a runoff which became violent as the ruling party unleashed terror on the opposition party and its supporters. Throughout all this Tsvangirai remained resolute eager to get into office through democratic means. Not only was he assaulted, imprisoned, lampooned and ridiculed in the state media and charged with treason, MT never lost focus of the struggle. I saw a leader ready to serve the people using the democratic route.

In 2009, MT became Prime Minister in the Government of National Unity. I attended a rally in Gweru, at Mkoba Stadium, where like a man of the people he took time to explain why they had entered into that governemnt setup. To this day, that would remain as the highest office he held for the people of Zimbabwe. I felt that he could have done more for the country but alas it was not to be. Early this year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa visited Tsvangirai at his home. Images of the frail leader where shown throughout the world. It may have seemed clear that the end was closer, but Zimbabweans resorted to prayer hoping that MT would win his battle against colon cancer. It now seems God had other plans, he may be in a better place now. Whether or not the Zimbabwe government accords him hero status, MT was a hero to most Zimbabweans. His fight against injustice cannot be questioned. 

He made us to dream of a better Zimbabwe with “milk and honey” through his travails against the Mugabe regime. My generation and others to follow will forever cherish Tsvangirai’s struggle and like he stated while in hospital that it was time for a new generation of leaders, we gladly take a page from his political career and believe in the struggle for a better Zimbabwe. May your soul rest in peace leader. Signing out in tears, Generation X18.