Opinion / Columnist
Correcting the Narrative: The Civic Foundations of Zimbabwe's 2nd Republic
3 hrs ago |
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Dr. Abigale Mupambi
I wish to set the record straight regarding the narrative surrounding the transition to Zimbabwe's 2nd Republic. There is a tendency to attribute the departure of Robert Mugabe solely to events and actors of November 2017, overlooking the profound and prolonged struggle of civic forces that laid the groundwork for this change.
The movement to unseat Mugabe was not an incident or a singular event; it was a long, arduous process driven by courageous activists and movements demanding accountability, justice, and change.
Movements such as #Tajamuka, led by Promise Mkwananzi, Linda Masarira, and the late Happison Ncube; #ThisFlag, initiated by Pastor Evan Mawarire; #ThisConstitution by Dr Abigale Mupambi and #MunhuweseMuroad drew participation from diverse regions and sectors.
Other critical contributors included the #VendorsMovement led by Stan Zvorwadza, #BulawayoYouthsArise led by Mthokozisi Ncube and Alfred Dziritwe, #WomenOfZimbabweArise by Jane Williams, #NANGO under the late Dr Cephas Zinhumwe, #SheVOTE by Maureen Kademaunga, #NAYO by Misheck Gondo, and the #ZCTU, alongside church leaders and other civic organizations. The Matabeleland collective also played a pivotal role, addressing key issues affecting the region.
These selfless leaders educated the masses about their rights, highlighted violations, and championed the #MugabeMustGo agenda long before internal Zanu PF dynamics shifted.
Notably, this was before Honourable Mliswa's expulsion from Zanu PF, at a time when the party was still solidly behind Mugabe.
These actors courageously confronted Mugabe's authoritarian rule, staging campaigns that predated factional alignments within Zanu PF recognizing the need for change.
The opposition MDC's contribution, though present, was limited partly due to their engagement in a power-sharing arrangement within the Government of National Unity (GNU), from which they emerged weakened without achieving significant reforms.
From 2010 to 2017, these civic leaders faced relentless persecution, routinely experiencing arrests and harassment by security forces acting on behalf of the Mugabe regime. Their "crime" was simply demanding Mugabe's departure for reasons that eventually resonated with broader constituencies.
Tragically, this struggle claimed lives, including that of Itai Dzamara.
Later, certain Zanu PF factions, including war veterans like Cde Matemadanda, aligned with the civic movement. The military's overt involvement came in 2017. Parliament's role in pushing for impeachment was a culminating act; the foundational agenda had already been set by civic activism.
It is these foundations that lent legitimacy to the 2nd Republic. I believe clarifying this history is vital for our understanding and future trajectory, distinct from the succession politics within Zanu PF.
The movement to unseat Mugabe was not an incident or a singular event; it was a long, arduous process driven by courageous activists and movements demanding accountability, justice, and change.
Movements such as #Tajamuka, led by Promise Mkwananzi, Linda Masarira, and the late Happison Ncube; #ThisFlag, initiated by Pastor Evan Mawarire; #ThisConstitution by Dr Abigale Mupambi and #MunhuweseMuroad drew participation from diverse regions and sectors.
Other critical contributors included the #VendorsMovement led by Stan Zvorwadza, #BulawayoYouthsArise led by Mthokozisi Ncube and Alfred Dziritwe, #WomenOfZimbabweArise by Jane Williams, #NANGO under the late Dr Cephas Zinhumwe, #SheVOTE by Maureen Kademaunga, #NAYO by Misheck Gondo, and the #ZCTU, alongside church leaders and other civic organizations. The Matabeleland collective also played a pivotal role, addressing key issues affecting the region.
These selfless leaders educated the masses about their rights, highlighted violations, and championed the #MugabeMustGo agenda long before internal Zanu PF dynamics shifted.
Notably, this was before Honourable Mliswa's expulsion from Zanu PF, at a time when the party was still solidly behind Mugabe.
These actors courageously confronted Mugabe's authoritarian rule, staging campaigns that predated factional alignments within Zanu PF recognizing the need for change.
The opposition MDC's contribution, though present, was limited partly due to their engagement in a power-sharing arrangement within the Government of National Unity (GNU), from which they emerged weakened without achieving significant reforms.
From 2010 to 2017, these civic leaders faced relentless persecution, routinely experiencing arrests and harassment by security forces acting on behalf of the Mugabe regime. Their "crime" was simply demanding Mugabe's departure for reasons that eventually resonated with broader constituencies.
Tragically, this struggle claimed lives, including that of Itai Dzamara.
Later, certain Zanu PF factions, including war veterans like Cde Matemadanda, aligned with the civic movement. The military's overt involvement came in 2017. Parliament's role in pushing for impeachment was a culminating act; the foundational agenda had already been set by civic activism.
It is these foundations that lent legitimacy to the 2nd Republic. I believe clarifying this history is vital for our understanding and future trajectory, distinct from the succession politics within Zanu PF.
Source - Byo24News
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