Seventh Anniversary of Tsvangirai’s Passing: A Reflective Look at His Influence on Zimbabwe

Today marks the seventh anniversary of the passing of Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, a key figure in Zimbabwe’s fight for democracy, who I had the honor of serving as a spokesperson for nearly a decade before his death on 14 February 2018.

Tsvangirai was deeply passionate about his country, embodying love for Zimbabwe. His death on Valentine’s Day, a day traditionally dedicated to love, felt especially poignant, symbolizing the love he had for his people and their cause.

Our bond grew so strong over the years that Tsvangirai often visited my rural village in Domboshava to offer condolences during my family’s times of loss, like when he came to mourn the passing of my grandmother in May 2014.

Our connection was so profound that, when his health declined, he specifically requested that, in addition to his family, I be notified immediately should anything happen to him. This bond led the medical staff in Johannesburg to call me directly when he passed away on 14 February 2018 at 17:37.

I was numb when I heard the news, reflecting on the years spent working together for democratic change in Zimbabwe. My entire family and I traveled to Buhera for his funeral, along with around 100 fellow supporters from my community in Domboshava.

It was a burial like no other, with an enormous turnout of mourners, from political leaders across the continent to citizens who admired his dedication to democracy. Representatives from various political parties, including ZANU PF, attended, a testament to Tsvangirai’s ability to transcend political divides and appeal to a broad spectrum of Zimbabweans.

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Oliver Mtukudzi, a close personal friend, also attended and even performed part of his iconic song “Neria,” further underscoring the deep connection Tsvangirai had with the people.

I recall an incident in 2015 in London when a man stopped his car just to take a selfie with Tsvangirai, telling him how much his courage had inspired him. This moment captured the global respect Tsvangirai commanded.

As they lowered Tsvangirai’s coffin in Buhera, I felt as though I was also losing a part of myself, as we had been through so much together. Our travels took us to numerous global and African capitals, where he made speeches and inspired audiences with his vision for a free and democratic Zimbabwe.

We visited places like Tokyo, Washington, and Lisbon, as well as many African cities, where people admired his bravery in standing up to a regime that had ruled Zimbabwe with an iron fist. Within Zimbabwe, we visited towns and villages, engaging with ordinary citizens to hear their views on the country’s future.

The last trip we took together was in early 2017, when we traveled across Zimbabwe to consult with the people before the MDC Congress. We spent many late nights discussing his findings and formulating strategies for the party’s future. Tsvangirai’s legacy of courage, dedication, and love for his country lives on in the hearts of the people he fought for.

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