Tonderai Shumba Chidawa, leader of the Zimbabwe Youth Action Platform (ZYAP) and a member of ZANU PF, has recently reiterated that the events surrounding the 2017 military-assisted transition known as Operation Restore Legacy were a collective effort.
He emphasizes that the significant political changes that occurred were not the result of one individual’s actions but rather the combined efforts of various groups and individuals working together.
Chidawa also reflects on the personal challenges faced by him and others during this period, including their expulsion from ZANU PF, which restricted their access to party offices. He highlights the subsequent political developments under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, noting achievements in empowerment, economic stability, and infrastructure development.
Chidawa alls for recognition of all those who contributed to the movement and addresses misconceptions on social media that attribute the success of the operation to a single person, stressing the importance of acknowledging the collective engagement that took place.
“In contrast, we were fortunate to have the unwavering support of businessman Cde Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who stood by us both financially and morally throughout this turbulent period. Due to his humility since 2017, Cde Tagwirei has never claimed any glory for the operation. While this may have been unknown to much of Zimbabwe and the wider world, he was the fuel behind the Restore Legacy vehicle.
It is a gross misrepresentation to assert that Mr. Tagwirei played no role in the operation. Those involved in the execution of Operation Restore Legacy are well aware he was a key financier”, Chidawa said.
Chidawa added that “It is essential to clarify that attributing sole ownership of this significant moment in our history to one person is both inaccurate and harmful.”
“We also do not want to underestimate the role played by senior security officers during the 2017 process. Individuals such as Nhepera, Sanyatwe, and Moyos, among others, demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience, risking their lives to confront the malcontents who surrounded then-President Robert Mugabe. Their actions were crucial in maintaining order at a time when the political landscape was highly volatile and tensions were escalating”, added Chidawa.
Chidawa also highlighted the role played by the security forces, opposition parties and several religious groups in the process.
“In addition to the security forces, various religious groups and opposition parties also came together to foster a sense of unity and contribute to the restoration of Zimbabwe’s national legacy. Churches played a vital role in advocating for peace and reconciliation, while opposition leaders engaged in dialogue aimed at facilitating a smoother transition of power.”
“Ultimately, the restoration of legacy in 2017 was not the achievement of any single individual; it was a concerted effort by all Zimbabweans, illustrating the strength of collective action in the face of adversity”, said Chidawa.
