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Speech presented by the President of ZINASU on the launch of the MDC 10th anniversary celebrations
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
February 18, 2009

ZINASU brings warm and revolutionary greetings to the 10th Anniversary of the Movement for Democratic Change. We congratulate the Movement on this historic 10th Anniversary and we therefore proudly join hands with the MDC, the people of Zimbabwe and anyone wishing Zimbabwe well, in celebrating this historic Anniversary.

For 10 years, the MDC has led the struggle for democracy in Zimbabwe. It has done so with a deep understanding that as part of achieving democracy, dictatorship must be crushed and the majority liberated from oppression. Under very difficult circumstances, the MDC has managed to rally the people of Zimbabwe against one of the most brutal regimes of this era.

This incredible track record cannot be challenged by anyone.

However, that struggle is not yet over. That struggle must continue. I hope the leadership of this movement remains focused as we enter the new phase in our struggle for democracy.

As we celebrate the MDC's 10th anniversary, it is important that the MDC acknowledge the mistakes it committed in the past. One of these mistakes was the failure to claim our victory, the people's victory of the March election. Never must we repeat such momentous mistakes.

We look forward to another 10, 20, 50, 100 years for the MDC, another 100 years of struggle to improve the lives of our people. We know that in future, as in the past, the MDC will be resolute in the struggle for democracy, good governance, social and economic justice, and better life for all Zimbabweans, students included.

We know the MDC has paid dearly. Countless leaders and members of the MDC died in the trenches. Countless laid down their lives, not just for the ideal of an equal society, but also indeed for the mere fact that they called themselves MDC members.

But, as always with a good friend on this day, we need to remind ourselves that this struggle is still very far from being over. We still have countless hurdles to overcome. Our schools are still closed; our colleges and universities are charging fees out of reach to many. Our people are still hungry. Treasurer General Roy Bennett is still in police custody. Jestina, Ghandi and several other comrades are still in prison. The country is crying for a new people driven democratic constitution. The judiciary remains highly compromised. Gideon Gono is still at RBZ. These and other issues have to be addressed and addressed urgently. We have confidence in the able leadership of the MDC, we are confident you can do it, for you did it in March 2008.

We stand ready to assist our allies in the MDC.

Long live the MDC, Long live the struggle for democracy, Amandla, Happy Birthday MDC and God Bless Zimbabwe.

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