The Post On Sunday
The passing of Alex Magaisa on June 5, 2022, left a void in the lives of many Zimbabweans. A renowned lawyer, intellectual, and writer, Magaisa was a key figure in the country’s political landscape. As a trusted advisor to Morgan Tsvangirai and his Movement for Democratic Change party, Magaisa played a crucial role in shaping Zimbabwe’s constitutional history.
A Champion of Democracy and Human Rights
Magaisa’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s constitutional review process were invaluable. In 2011, he joined the technical team advising the parliamentary committee tasked with revising the country’s outdated constitution. The resulting constitution, approved in 2013, promised to improve women’s rights, ban torture, and guarantee freedom of expression. Although the gains have been reversed under successive governments, Magaisa continued to campaign for further legal and political change.
A Respected Voice in Zimbabwean Politics
Through his blog, the Big Saturday Read (BSR), Magaisa provided incisive commentary on Zimbabwean politics, filling the vacuum left by a heavily censored and polarized media. With almost 500,000 Twitter followers, he had more online devotees than the country’s main newspapers. His writing was characterized by elegance, rigor, and a willingness to speak truth to power, making him the most respected political commentator in Zimbabwe.
A Legacy that Lives On
Magaisa’s influence extended beyond his writing. He played a leading role in the creation of the Constitutional Law Centre (CLC), which brought together legal and human rights organizations to promote research and advocacy on the rule of law, human rights, and constitutionalism. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of Zimbabweans to strive for a more just and democratic society.
Remembering a Brilliant Storyteller
One of Magaisa’s most memorable pieces, “When Mamvura drove the Bus,” told the story of a madman who drove a bus in rural Zimbabwe, sending passengers into a frenzy. The piece was not just a humorous anecdote but a powerful allegory for the country’s tumultuous politics. Magaisa’s prediction that “a Mamvura will drive this bus called Zimbabwe” proved prophetic, as the country navigated the complexities of the 2017 coup and its aftermath.
A Tribute to a Great Mind
Today, on the third anniversary of Magaisa’s passing, we remember his rich legacy and passionate writing. His contributions to Zimbabwe’s constitutional history, his commitment to democracy and human rights, and his influence on a generation of Zimbabweans will not be forgotten. As we reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the power of ideas and the importance of speaking truth to power. Alex Magaisa may be gone, but his legacy lives on, inspiring us to strive for a better future for all Zimbabweans.
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