By Tarisai Masimba
Harare, Zimbabwe – It has been three years since the untimely passing of Morgan Tsvangirai, the former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe and leader of the Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC) party. Tsvangirai passed away on this day in 2018, leaving a void in Zimbabwe’s political landscape that has yet to be filled.
Tsvangirai, who was 65 at the time of his death, was a formidable opponent of former President Robert Mugabe’s regime, and he played a critical role in the struggle for democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. He was an iconic opposition leader who fought tirelessly to bring change to his country, despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks.
Born in Buhera, in eastern Zimbabwe, Tsvangirai began his political career as a trade unionist in the 1980s. He rose through the ranks of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, eventually becoming its Secretary-General. In 1999, he founded the MDC party, which soon became the main opposition force in Zimbabwe.
Tsvangirai was a popular and charismatic leader, known for his courage, resilience, and commitment to democratic principles. He was arrested and beaten numerous times for his political activism, and he survived several assassination attempts. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of a better Zimbabwe.
In 2008, Tsvangirai won the first round of presidential elections, but he was denied victory by Mugabe’s regime, which used violence and intimidation to rig the results. Tsvangirai later became Prime Minister in a power-sharing agreement with Mugabe, but he faced numerous challenges and frustrations during his time in office.
Despite the obstacles he faced, Tsvangirai remained a beacon of hope for Zimbabweans who were yearning for a brighter future. His passing was a great loss to his party, his supporters, and the country as a whole.
Today, Zimbabweans remember Tsvangirai with respect and admiration, and many continue to be inspired by his legacy. His death was a reminder of the importance of standing up for democracy, human rights, and social justice, even in the face of adversity.
As we mark the third anniversary of his passing, we honor Tsvangirai’s memory and his contributions to Zimbabwe’s struggle for freedom and democracy. His legacy will continue to inspire us all to work towards a better and brighter future for Zimbabwe.
