A letter to 15 year old Mthuli

By Chenayi Mutambasere

It is very apt that in this week as the young people of Zimbabwe are getting ready to lead the country into protest- a photo of a young Mthuli surfaces.

Suddenly I am looking at Young Mthuli with a different perspective. It’s hard at times to remember that this cabinet where young once, they too had dreams, hopes and ambitions.

Mthuli in fact would have gone to school at a time when teaching was a very lucrative career.

It was a sure ticket out of poverty in Rhodesia a gateway to a secure civil service income with possibilities of professional development.

I am sure the ambitious Mthuli was captivated by these teachers, knew he would push his education and be somebody one day and that he became…

I wondered if we could go back in time what would we say to the 15 year old Mthuli

1- The opportunities awarded to you allow them to others. Infact strive that more access the same if not better.

2- Do the right thing. Never be ashamed to stand for what is right.

Making a flippant announcement resulting in economic chaos isn’t the right thing. Be that guy that is set apart for being noble and just the joy had from this isnt material but is longer lasting.

3- People may never remember what you say but they will remember how you made them feel. Hunger, despair and hopelessness plague the young people of today.

4. Ziva kwawakabva you too were young once – make the environment great for the next generation lies and more lies will not do it.

5. Finally to borrow from the good book which says fathers do not cause the children to wrath. Eventually from the boiling pot the children will raise up in anger to claim their birthright !!

#FreedomMarch #August16FinalPush

Chenayi Mutambasere (Msc Development Economics and Policy) is the MDC UK and Ireland Province Secretary for Industry and Commerce. You can follow her on Twitter: @ChenayiM