Friday, March 20, 2015

We are all Itai Dzamaras


The disappearance of a young activist Zimbabwean Itai Dzamara has not only shocked the world but proved beyond reason doubt that it is not safe to express one's opinion in Zimbabwe despite the new constitution. While it is political incorrect to speculate on who might have committed this offense, it is also clear that he was effective in trying to change the socio and political climate of Zimbabwe hence his abduction. His voice had just began to shack the kingdoms like John the baptist. I for one being a friend of this young and vibrant guy have no words other than a sense of deep sadness and disgust.No doubt Itai was a rising star.I had began to compare him with the founding fathers like Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, Steve Biko, Chris Hani and Martin Luther King Jr. Itai Dzamara might have been born to a family, but he chose to belong to the greater Zimbabwe community. He was born in a tribe, but he chose to belong to a tribe of Zimbabwe's suffering masses. Itai was one of us. he spoke our language. He was worried about our worries, troubled about what troubles us, he feared what we feared yet he took it upon himself to confront his fears with courage in the face of  intimidation, brutality, torture and possibly murder. While we may never fully understand his fate or whereabouts, we are assured that the young family man and father of two had made up his mind. He had made up his mind that if he could not archive what he lived for, he must go down fighting for it. And that is a clear message that we and the future generations must embrace and God willing live up to. He sat a high standard for democracy and human rights activism. He did not waver and he had no tomorrow . He wanted ACTION NOW. Dzamara ACTION now. We can only pray that he is safe wherever he is, but while we are hoping against hope we must not be distracted by his departure. We must be inspired by his life and work for ordinary Zimbabweans and Africans at large  and indeed for democracy in Zimbabwe and beyond. Now is our time. Our time has come. Isikhathi sethu sesifikile.

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