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Remembering
a hero
Crisis
in Zimbabwe Coalition
May 21, 2010
"A hero
is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and
endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
~ Christopher Reeve
On Tuesday 18 May 2010,
human rights defenders in Zimbabwe paid homage to a valiant son
of the struggle, Tonderai Nyahunzvi. Facebook profiles were indicative
of the pain and disbelief which engulfed the hearts of comrades
as they learnt that one of their own was no more, taken when nobody
least expected it and buried like a pauper in the absence of his
family and friends. Details of the events surrounding the dearth
and burial of Nyahunzvi remain sketchy although it is alleged that
he was attached by ZANU PF supporters on the 4th of March and admitted
at Parirenyatwa hospital due to injuries sustained during the assault.
Nyahunzvi died a lonely death, surrounded by strangers on the 4th
of May 2010 and received a pauper burial at Granville (Mbudzi) cemetery.
The family is seeking permission to exhume and accord Nyahunzvi
a decent funeral. He is survived by his wife and one child.
Cde Nyahunzvi
will be remembered as one of the most courageous, vibrant, fearless
and dedicated cadres in the democratic struggle. His mimicking of
the dictator, Robert Mugabe, and the elaborate word play during
contributions at meetings always served as much needed comic relief
to our sometimes too serious struggle. Nyahunzvi participated in
demonstrations organized by the National
Constitution Assembly (NCA) and the Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC) and attended civil society public meetings where most
would remember his interrogation of political players and civil
society leaders on governance issues, in his funny yet incisive
style.
The death of this brave
and charismatic activist has robbed the pro-democracy movement of
a true and inspiring cadre. Since news of his death broke out, messages
have been pouring in from fellow comrades social networking sites
such as the Facebook.
"Go well Nyahunzvi,
you fought the good fight . . . Its indeed sad, there is one thing
that this struggle has failed to do. That is assisting comrades
who, due to pressure and cruelty of the old - new regime have been
forced to bee paupers unto dearth). I always say to myself Cde Nyahunzvi
is a testimony of the absence of clear, mental and even mental support
for activists" Otto Saki
"Go well Cde Nyahunzvi,
we will miss you dearly, the struggle will forever be poorer without
you" Stanely Kwenda.
"Thi life.. I am
saddened to learn about the dearth of Nyahunzvi. Am told he died
in March and he was buried zvisizi kunakaba kuMbudzi (he was buried
the wrong way at Mbudzi). Idemo ripiko rausina kuita lead? (hich
demonstartion did you not lead?) Go well. Hamba kahle, famba zvakanaka,
Nyahunzvi Waive gamba, rako basa wakaita takariona. (You were a
hero, we honor the work that you did)", Kumbirai Mafunda
"Moyo wangu uri
kurwadza..kana chiri chokwadi toto Mwari vaita kuda kwavo..RIP Cde
Nyahunzvi! My heart is hurting, if it is true we say the Lord has
done his will)". Zvikomborero Tafirenyika
"I am failing to
come to terms . . . not even. It's so unfair. Nyahunzvi was
an Ambassador of the Trueth; he would call a spade a spade with
well researched as detailed submissions." Benjamin Nyandoro
"I am still not
over the shock! Ndarwadziwa (I am hurt). Zorora murugare Nyahunzvi!
(Rest in peace Nyahunzvi)"
May his soul
rest in peace.
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in Zimbabwe fact
sheet
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