She lets out a sigh of relief – though it’s been less than two years since Robert Mugabe was removed from office in an historic vote, the change Zimbabweans struggled for has finally come home.
We face a watershed moment in our country’s history. If there is anyone who still doubts that Zimbabwe can change; who still questions whether the people can overcome the odds of a rigged election; who wonder whether the corrupt will ever be brought to justice, July 31 is your answer.
This day will forever mark the moment Zimbabwe stood up to terror, corruption, and deceit. On July 31 we write the opening chapter of the story of our new beginning. The story will be told by the queues of voters; by mothers wanting a better future for their children; by fathers who for years have struggled to provide for their families; by the youth who will one day lead our country. Make no doubt about it, the sun is rising on a new Zimbabwe.
It has been 33 years in the making, but because of what we will do on July 31, change will come to Zimbabwe. The road has been long and arduous but every day I am reminded what makes this country, our country, so special: her people.
Regardless of what party you ascribe to, whether your parents were born here or not, whether you’re black or white, we are the all the lifeblood of this great country. We all have a connection that runs deeper than our differences; we are all Zimbabweans.
I have been reminded of this connection time and again over the past few months. Zimbabwe’s energy flows through and between her people. When change comes, it will be because of you.
Do not be discouraged by dark forces that will try to disrupt your right to vote. Together, we are stronger than those who commit violence against us. Together, we are stronger than even the most advanced Israeli rigging system in the world. Together, we are stronger than any individual, including the President.
To the men and women of our uniformed forces: you are answerable only to God himself. Be courageous. If you are asked to cause pain, to prevent your brothers and sisters from voting, to do anything that you know in your heart is wrong, reject it. You will have your job in the New Zimbabwe and it will carry with it a new sense of dignity, pride, and honor. To those who don’t think their vote will count: do not be discouraged. Every vote counts. Do not rely on your friends, family, and neighbours to carry the burden of change on their own. It may not be easy; it may take hours; you may be frustrated in your attempt to vote but you will prevail. We will prevail.
Brothers and sisters of Zimbabwe I look forward to standing with you on 31 July to decide our collective future. This is our chance to decide what kind of country we leave the generations that follow. This is our moment. This is our destiny. This is our time to take Zimbabwe back from the hands of an elitist regime that long ago leveraged the futures of all to line the pockets of few. A new dawn is coming. The hope of a New Zimbabwe drives us. The hope of a New Zimbabwe that will, on July 31, triumph over those who tell us we will not. The time is now. The people are marching toward a New Zimbabwe as one and we will not be stopped. I look forward to seeing you at the polls.
Post published in: Opinions & Analysis
The Bush Lawyer indicated just before the elections that the Old is good at strategizing where there is chaos/confusion and will always use any loop hole for his personal survival. If there is no chaos , he will create it and trap the nation, the region and the international at large and get away with it. The SADC meeting in Maputo was very clear from the Guarantor. MDC-T was told not to go for elections without the fulfillment of the GPA set of the required vital Reforms. MDC-T should have refused to go for elections without the Reforms. SADC and AU could be in a position that would justify the condemnation of the rigged elections if MDC-T had followed the SADC Report which they had in their hands. This is now a mess caused by in-experience of how to capture the walking vote especially from the povo. So what then next??