The occasion was graced by several foreign diplomats and donors based in Harare. Contrary to what the state media reported, there was no violence except for a little fracas caused by some misguided youth that did not even last more than three minutes.
Yours truly and the madam also attended the function and it was a refreshing event. There was so much joking and laughing that one could feel that we are in the dawn of a New Zimbabwe right now. The change is definitely going to be completed sooner rather than later.
These have been 12 years of extra-ordinary courage by the people of this country and they deserve to be celebrated. The ZRP were conspicuous by their absence – much to the joy of those who attended. Police presence at an MDC function is always regarded as suspicious.
The MDC organizing secretary, Nelson Chamisa, the youngest Cabinet Minister in Zimbabwe, officiated at the function, and he did a sterling job. The man is gifted in public relations and people mobilization.
He kept the programme flowing smoothly throughout the long hours that we were informed and entertained with good humour and courageous statements. Unlike at some Zanu (PF) rallies, there were only a few short and precise speeches by the party leadership.
Several awards were given to MDC-T members who had contributed to the party’s success since its formation. The focus of the awards was clearly service delivery to the people of this country. People who had lost their lives in the name of the party and this country were dutifully honoured in various ways.
The history of the party was accurately narrated so that those who did not know it would be adequately informed. The whole event was a celebration of indomitable courage by those who stood firm and strongly believed, and still believe, that a better Zimbabwe is possible.
Civil society solidarity statements were delivered by various groups. It was evident that, as a people, Zimbabweans have not at all given up on democracy and good governance. The people have not resigned themselves to the evil, corruption and violence perpetrated by Mugabe and his Zanu (PF) party.
The level of the people’s determination is very high as was demonstrated by the high turnout at the celebration. At one time all the people stood up and saluted Morgan Tsvangirai, president of the people’s party of excellence, shaming the so-called chiefs of staff who have vowed not to salute MT. It was as if the people were saying to the former liberators: “Now we have our own liberator and we salute him ourselves.”
But the road ahead is still going to be tough and strewn with landmines, potholes and huge humps here and there. The outgoing dictator and his fractious political party are desperate. Yes, they may be in disarray, but that is when they become extremely dangerous. The people’s project has to be prosecuted to its logical conclusion.
Regime change is inevitable and the MDC-T is the only political party that has the stamina to deliver it to the people of this vandalized nation. The next few months are going to be critical for both this nation and the party of excellence. We are our own liberators through democratic means. Let us finish the change. God bless our Zimbabwe!
Post published in: Opinions & Analysis