In an unprecedented move to reignite the flames of democracy and usher in a new era of political activism, Zimbabwean veteran political activist Job Sikhala has taken the bold step of launching a new civic organisation, Operation Vhuserere/Imvuselelo. This groundbreaking initiative aims to spearhead a “mass democratic struggle” that seeks to deliver freedom, reform, and prosperity to the nation.

Job Sikhala, a revered figure in Zimbabwean politics and a former Member of Parliament for both the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), announced the formation of this new group under the auspices of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG). This decision comes on the heels of extensive nationwide consultations, underscoring the inclusive and participatory nature of Operation Vhuserere/Imvuselelo.

The core mission of this new organisation is to restore the mass democratic struggle to its rightful owners: the people of Zimbabwe. The NDWG envisions a grassroots program that places Zimbabweans at the heart of the democratic struggle, empowering them to reclaim their central role in the pursuit of freedom and prosperity. Sikhala’s statement elucidates this vision, emphasizing that “the mass democratic struggle belongs to the people, and the people must be at the centre of every decision in the execution of our struggle.”

Operation Vhuserere/Imvuselelo represents a departure from past practices that have seen the exclusion of ordinary citizens from crucial decision-making processes. Sikhala criticises this exclusion as a derailment of the democratic struggle, highlighting the need for a new approach that values and incorporates the input of the masses.

The initiative calls upon every Zimbabwean to become an ambassador of hope and freedom. The movement’s ethos is encapsulated in the rallying cry: “Don’t be left behind. Be a preacher. Be the carrier of the message of hope and freedom to the nation.” This sentiment reflects a collective responsibility to disseminate the principles of Operation Vhuserere/Imvuselelo far and wide, ensuring that every citizen becomes a stakeholder in the nation’s future.

In a nation where political activism often comes at a great personal cost, Sikhala’s leadership and vision for a democratised struggle offer a beacon of hope. Operation Vhuserere/Imvuselelo is not just a political initiative; it is a call to action for every Zimbabwean to engage in the democratic process, to be vocal about their desires for reform, and to actively participate in the shaping of their country’s future.

The launch of Operation Vhuserere/Imvuselelo marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s political landscape. It embodies the aspirations of a population yearning for change and signals a shift towards a more inclusive and participatory form of democracy. With the people of Zimbabwe at its core, the movement seeks to galvanise support across the nation, inspiring a collective effort to reclaim the democratic struggle and chart a new course towards freedom, reform, and prosperity.

As Zimbabwe stands at this critical juncture, the eyes of the world are watching. The success of Operation Vhuserere/Imvuselelo could not only redefine the contours of Zimbabwean democracy but also serve as a model for grassroots political mobilisation across the continent. In the words of Job Sikhala, “This movement is a home for everyone.” It is a clarion call for unity, participation, and hope – a promise of a new dawn for democracy in Zimbabwe.