By Leonnel Mhuka
Yesterday the citizen of Zimbabwe woke up to shocking announcement of the death of an opposition politician and former member of parliament for Harare Central constituency, Hon. Murisi Zwizwai. The family has not released any news on the cause of his death to the public. However, unconfirmed information received by Change Radio indicated that he has been battling sugar diabetes..
He was first elected as the MP for Harare Central in the early 2000s, a position he held through various electoral cycles, often facing significant challenges and political repression from the ruling ZANU-PF. His tenure in parliament was marked by his vocal opposition to corruption, electoral fraud, and human rights abuses.
Although Hon Zwizwai said nothing publicly against Tshabangu an imposter who has helped ZANU-PF t take over the Citizens Coalition for Change party from its founding leader, president Nelson Chamisa, he was remembered by Adv Nelson Chamisa as an affable, jocular, generous and jovial colleague. Chamisa went on to say that Zwizwai’s contributions from the early days of their shared journey left a significant impact on those around him. Chamisa said,
“Have learnt with deep sadness on the passing of Hon Murisi Zwizwai in the early hours of this morning. We worked together from the early days of the struggle for change and freedom in Zimbabwe. He was affable, jocular, generous and jovial. My prayers are with the family and friends. RIP Murambwi.
According to Prince Dubeko Sibanda, Zwizwai stood uncompromisingly for the values of the struggle for democracy, and his loss is deeply felt. Sibanda prays for the comfort of Zwizwai’s family during this time of bereavement.
“I have learned with sadness the passing on of my brother hon Murisi Zwizwai today. I pray for the comfort of his family in this hour of bereavement. He is one of those who stood uncompromising to the values of the struggle for democracy. There was an attempt to accommodate him
CCC PR MP for Hrare, Hon. Gladys Hlatywayo pays tribute to Zwizwai, expressing her pleasure in knowing and working with him in their struggle for a just and democratic Zimbabwe. She said,
“Hlatywayo Gladys Kudzaishe pays tribute to Zwizwai, expressing her pleasure in knowing and working with him in their struggle for a just and democratic Zimbabwe.
For MDC Alliance youth leader, Obey Tererai Sithole also mourns Zwizwai’s passing, describing him as a solid cadre and a joyful man who was cherished during his life.
“Saddened by the passing on of Hon. Murisi Zwizwai. Such a solid cadre & jovial man he was during his days alive. My sincere condolences to the Zwizwai family, friends & colleagues in the opposition movement. Go well Shumba Murambwi, Mdhara Huchi!
Mashinga here? Ndiani achabvunza?
Harare west member of parliament Hon. Joanah Mamombe expressed her sadness at the passing of Mudhara Huchi, extending her condolences to the Zwizwai family and wishing for his soul to rest in peace.
“Sad to hear the passing on of Mudhara Huchi Murisi Zwizwai.
My condolences to the Zwizwai family.
May his soul rest in peace.
President Tsvangirai’s son who is the MP for Norton, Richard speaks of Zwizwai as a fighter, Democrat, and a father figure, both to him and many others, appreciating and respecting Zwizwai’s contribution and sacrifice towards the democratic struggle. This is what he said
“I just received sad news that Hon. Murisi Zwizwai is no more, a friend of my father who became a father to me. He was a fighter, Democrat, and a father to many. I greatly appreciate and respect Hon. Zwizwai’s contribution and sacrifice towards the democratic struggle. My thoughts are with Zwizwai’s family at this particular juncture. MHSRIP.
Human rights activist Tapiwanashe Chiriga fondly remembers Zwizwai for his humorous statements, such as “washinga here” and “mukafa ndini ndovigwa mdara,” highlighting the joy he brought to those around him.
“Hon Murisi Zwizwai. Mudhara Huchi
He came up with all the funny statements we say. “washinga here” “mukafa ndini ndovigwa mdara” ndebvu ndedzani idzi”
May his soul rest in peace
Forner member of parliament Zengeza West, Hon Job Sikhala reflects on their long association, noting that despite their political differences, Zwizwai’s passing deeply affects him. He emphasizes that life and death are in the hands of Almighty God and expresses his profound sadness over Zwizwai’s demise.
“The author of life and death is our Almighty God. I have known this man for years in person, and it is sad to receive the message of his demise. We may differ the way we perceive things and our politics, but when one whom you walked with for a long time passes on, it affects you. I am really sad about this passing on of Hon Murisi Zvizvai.
May his dear soul rest in eternal peace. Panyika idandaro. Till we meet again mufambe murugare.
Controvesial Former Zanu-PF chairperson and former Norton MP Temba Mliswa recalls Zwizwai as a man who brought humor to Parliament and had a unique relationship with the Speaker. Mliswa highlights Zwizwai’s integrity and loyalty, describing him as a seasoned politician and a Parliamentarian par excellence. Mliswa reminisces about their shared moments, noting Zwizwai’s well-deserved position as a Senator.
“Sad to hear of the passing away of my brother Shumba Murambwi, VaChivi, Murisi Zwizwai. A man who made Parliament jovial by bringing humour. He had a unique relationship with the Speaker. A seasoned politician who when you sit down and agreed on issues he would stand with you. I’m glad that when his time came he was a Senator. He deserved to be there as he brought new energy. We have lost a Parliamentarian par excellence. We had great times with him, Hwende, Bvondo and others. We always enjoyed a nice bottle of whiskey together. Manje ndichapa ani hari nhai mwana wababa vangu? Truly a dark cloud is upon us, pasi panodya. Rest in peace Shumba, VaChivi.
Despite the controversy that surrounded Hon. Murisi Zwizwai after he accepted a senatorial appointment from an imposter CCC secretary general, the outpouring of love and respect from his colleagues speaks volumes about his true character and contributions. Each tribute reveals the deep bonds formed through years of shared struggles and victories.
Colleagues across the political spectrum remembered Zwizwai not only for his unwavering dedication to the democratic cause but also for his generosity, humor, and integrity. Their heartfelt messages of condolence and respect underscore a profound appreciation for Zwizwai’s legacy, showing that his impact transcended political disagreements. In their eyes, he remained a steadfast ally, a joyous companion and a paragon of the fight for a just Zimbabwe. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew and worked with him, as they carry forward the torch of the struggle for democracy.
