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Celebrating 12 years of young people's commitment to a new Zimbabwe
MDC Youth Assembly
September 08, 2011

As MDC Youth Assembly we join the greater family of Movement for Democratic Change across the globe, in celebrating 12 years of people's struggle for real change. We are prepared to finish it.

Our journey of thousands of miles began on the 11th of September 1999 when concerned Zimbabweans comprised of workers, students, residents, communal farmers, traditional leaders among other important sectors came together to fight oppression and bring in a responsible regime.

As the young people of Zimbabwe, we have discovered that injustice does not become justice simply because it has been done by the black government on its black citizens. When our rights have been unilaterally infringed or withdrawn that's injustice. Unfortunately that's the journey we embarked on 12 years ago. We can all agree that it has not been easy but keeping our eyes on the price gave us more courage and strength. But a lesson to all dictators around the world is that a kingdom imposed and/or survive by force will not last forever. As we continue with this journey its imperative to check how far we have travelled and ask ourselves what still needs to be done.

Our responsibilities are very clear, and our demands are once again the oldest, to secure from self, the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. For our lives should be defined by opportunities even the ones we miss. Let's create an environment of equal opportunities, that's the only way we can broaden life that is commensurate with our dignity as human beings.

The young people of Zimbabwe are celebrating their endured years of their commitment to this struggle for jobs; quality and affordable education; good health; food; genuine empowerment; positive youth participation; peace and freedom. As we forge ahead, we still cannot forget the battered men in jails, the broken men and women in foreign soils, and families resting in unmarked graves.

It has not been easy but we are very much encouraged by the courage qualities and indifference that has been displayed by our leadership, even in situations where any hopeful men would have lost hope. We continue to pray that, our dear Lord continue to not only provide guidance, courage and wisdom to our leaders but also give the same for Mugabe to step down after losing an election.

Let us join hands in our quest to build a vibrant youth with a difference, for the future and success of any society is measured by how and where their youths spend their time. Lets remain focused as we celebrate the lives of those dead and alive, whose contribution have been our source of inspiration, even when they faced torture, persecution and uncertain future. Lets remain committed to overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice. There are very good examples of nations across the globe, South Africa is one of them, that oppression can be overcome, for we cannot now or ever let the specter of evil overcome the potential of better tomorrow.

Obviously our liberation war heroes didn't fight for this status quo. There are gaps that still needs to be bridged, the gap between the government and the people, between the rich and the poor, between true security and the notion of feeling safe. It's surprising how fast we have come to a complete circle, "Our demand is just and legitimate, we demand a free and fair election where international observers will oversee"[1978 Josiah Tongogara]. 33years later we find ourselves with the same demands even with the black government in place.

Let's not forget that suffering is easy to bear if you know there is purpose in it, and especially if you know that justice will prevail. We remain concerned about the denial of justice to our fellow youths who are still languishing in prison without trial. Let's make sure we keep our eyes on the price, the Mount Everest of humanity must not die. We hope our leaders will also continue to find ways to connect with the people. For people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

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