REMEMBERING 2022
As the year comes to an end, we look back at some of the stories that made headlines, got people talking and brought tears to many.
The first event that springs to mind, as it also saddened me, was the passing on of academic and public intellectual, Dr Alex Magaisa in June.
His death touched the hearts of the masses, with thousands taking to social media to express their shock at his un
timely passing. The huge numbers who turned up for his funeral also spoke volumes about the type of a person that he was.
A one-time advisor to the late former Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, Magaisa had a huge following online because of his writings, which included his weekly blog, The Big Saturday Read.
Opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa described him as a ‘force, a giant, a sober mind and a fine great man with gigabytes of intellect’. With all he achieved in life, it’s hard to believe Magaisa was only 46 when he died!
The year was also not a great one for Mary Mubaiwa, the ex-wife of Vice President, Constatino Chiwenga as she lost her right arm to amputation.
The former model was diagnosed with acute lymphedema which caused large open wounds on her forearms. Attempts to seek treatment in South Africa failed as
her passport was confiscated after charges of attempted murder and fraud were laid against her.
Another story that made headlines was Chiwenga remarrying for the third time. The VP had long moved on with his life while his ex-wife was going in and out of the courts to answer to the charges laid against her.
What was of particular interest to the public was the fact that Chiwenga’s new young wife is also a soldier. Many described her as a beauty with brains as she holds three degrees, including a Masters. She can’t be that smart though or surely she would know to stay well away from the VP!
On the political front, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) was formed during the course of the year following months of fighting within the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
The party, whose main colour is yel
low, became an instant hit and attracted big crowds at its rallies.
But while its leaders remain positive it will cause a major upset in next year’s general election, one of its key figures, outspoken Member of Parliament (MP), Job Sikhala remains in prison. Despite being locked up for over six months now, Sikhala is yet to go for trial.
He was arrested for inciting public violence during the memorial service for a murdered CCC activist in June. He will spend Christmas in jail without his wife and children.
Sikhala’s fellow MPS will, however, be very merry this festive season following US$40, 000 (P480, 000) loans that were advanced by the government to each lawmaker.
And while you and I dear reader may not have that much money, I hope we will have a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year…cheers, see you all again in 2023!