Not even the attempt to impersonate us will succeed. You can steal a label, but you cannot steal character. Citizens can see through the political gimmicks. They can identify the grain from the chaff.
Even democrats beyond our country can distinguish between a fake and genuine article.
Last month, I was invited to the inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema in Zambia. His ascension to the highest office in our sister country is a proud moment for Africa, the people of Zambia and indeed a humbling one for all of us who are strong believers in the idea of a new Africa and democracy.
Hichilema’s success reminds us that the pursuit of democracy requires principled leadership based on resilience, consistency, determination, and strategy. He did not stop because the opposite side had thwarted him several times before.
He did not give up because he was being persecuted. He did not throw in the towel because they were naysayers who said it was impossible. We draw great lessons and inspiration from that experience.
I began by looking back to the first days of our movement. I emphasised the fact that ours is a glorious movement based on an idea that is woven into the fabric of society.
They have tried many things. They will keep trying, hoping to put us down forever. But they will not succeed. They will fail because the movement is bigger than the material things that they are grabbing and destroying. We are rooted and headquartered within the hearts and minds of Zimbabweans. They cannot destroy what is written in the hearts and minds of the people.
I was a young man when we started along with others. I am now a full man and still at it. The idea of getting tired is a luxury that is unaffordable.
We are inspired by the missionary zeal to transform anchored on the will to change. When I see the fervour among the young people, I am energised and reinvigorated.
So many young people have emerged since those early days in 1999. We thought by now things would be better. They are not, but it has not been for lack of trying. I want to end by urging you all, young people of Zimbabwe, to seize the moment, just like your peers did in Zambia.
We can start this by registering to vote. The right to vote is one of the most central democratic rights that we enjoy.
At 18, everyone can register as a voter and participate in elections. But while this is so fundamental and potentially life-changing, it is regrettable that so many people still do not exercise it.
Each time that an eligible person does not vote, they are outsourcing their future to the next person who is voting.
By Nelson Chamisa for NewZWire
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