I look back at 2011 as a year that was full of challenges for us as a District more-so, our leadership and members in Zimbabwe who have been harassed and tormented by ZANU (PF) at every turn of the clock. Since my election on the 21st February 2011 as Chair of the South East District, it has been a real honour for me to work with a team of cadres who understand democracy and stand for the opinion of the electorate without hesitation. Yes, we have had our own regrets and hopefully we have learnt from them but most importantly, South East is a united District, our tireless commitment to helping others and the practical human approach to social problems has had a positive impact within the communities where we hail from. If our beloved Zimbabwe is to see the dream of freedom we all yearn for, we have a mighty task ahead of us and I am pleased to note that things are starting to take shape. Branches have started the process of reorganisation and are gearing themselves to assume responsibilities that will see the Movement for Democratic Change takeover as the democratically elected government of Zimbabwe. Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices taken by our Party leadership and the membership, some have lost limbs, others have been maimed and a substantial number have lost lives in the fight for a just and democratic Zimbabwe, their efforts are not in vain as the game is coming to a close! To those who have lost their lives in the struggle, Rest in Peace Comrades, for, forever we shall remember you!
2012 is not going to be an easy year, the current pronouncements of impending elections has seen an upsurge in incidents of political violence against our leaders and party cadres, of whom a number remain incarcerated on frivolous charges having been declined bail by partisan courts. The challenges facing us as part of an external assembly are immense and require more than, shouting, sloganeering and song! These challenges demand that we commit time and resources to the Zimbabwean struggle. As we go into the festive mood I would like all of us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, this time, with the dawn of a new era in the emancipation of Zimbabwe. The current wave of change on the political front in Africa and elsewhere in the world is a welcome experience for victims of tyrannical regimes and Zimbabweans pray for the day when we they can celebrate true freedom. I am calling upon all our warriors religious and political to do everything possible to influence change in Zimbabwe. In South East England, the Women and Youth Assembly have a lot more to do in terms of mobilisation and establishing an effective means of communication. The role women and the youth play in any struggle is pivotal and cannot be overstated. As a District, we shall ensure the availability of resources required to catalyse and step up the pace of change in the course of the Zimbabwean struggle.
I am sure as a District we are all geared up for the trying times ahead and we are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe in the final push to finish what we started. This is the time and it cannot be any better a time for us to demand our freedom and democratic space in our beloved country Zimbabwe. This is the final phase and let us remain united till final victory as the destination is now in sight, let us do all we can to allow the Captain sail the ship to shore safely!
I am convinced 2011 was a great year and that we learnt a lot, however 2012 brings a more challenging environment that requires us all to act decisively and exploit the opportunities at our disposal, to eradicate obstacles standing in our way so we can liberate and deliver a free Zimbabwe to the oppressed children of Zimbabwe.
I wish all of you and colleagues in this external assembly a very Merry Christmas and may 2012 guide us into happiness, health and success!
Khama Matambanadzo
District Chair
South East England
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