If you haven’t already heard the good news Zimbabwe’s 93 year old president Robert Mugabe finally handed in his long overdue resignation letter. The date 21st November 2017, will go down in history as the day Zimbabwean lives change forever, for the better, we hope. This is a momentous event many have spent years campaigning for, so its no surprise that people are out celebrating in the streets. Generations have come and gone with Mugabe still being in power but it is clear that with each passing generation the baton of change continued its journey and yesterday afternoon it finally reached its destination.

In a letter read out by Jacob Mudenda, the speaker of parliament Mr Mugabe said: “My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire for a smooth, non-violent transfer of power” 

For days the question on everyones lips were “Will he resign?” and now he has the question turns to “Who will replace him?”. The natural presumption being the ousted ex Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa AKA The Crocodile. Who ever takes up the role we can just hope that Zimbabwe get to see what real leadership looks like.

Under the Mugabe regime Zimbabweans have “suffered the second most severe episode of hyperinflation in recorded history.”, the needs and suffering have not been met for years, many Zims have fled the country and have vowed to never return as long as Mugabe remains in power. Indeed, he did some good things and was once the hero that fought against white oppressive dictatorship rule in then called Rhodesia, a regime that put the lives of foreigners over the people of the land. But like a guest that has outstayed their welcome, Mugabe seemed to not get the hint that he had over stayed his welcome, and with time turned from a hero to a tyrant.

My feeling is that many of these leaders that fought for independence feel an entitlement to stay in power till they die, but that is not how democracy works. One day the people will rise up against system and no one is above the system as shown in Libya, Egypt and soon Uganda (?)

I’m sure these events have inspired Ugandans to do the same and get the current president Museveni out. In my recent trip to Uganda I had my first taste of tear gas and witnessed clashes between those against Museveni and the police.

After three decades in power Ugandans are growing tired of their leader who is attempting to further corrupt the system by trying to raise the age limit which currently stands at 75 years old.

“Togikwatako!” (Don’t touch it) was a word of warning to Museveni and comrades shouted in the streets and written all over newspaper headlines. (Rooting for Bobi Wine to be president!) These people just don’t know when to stop.

Mugabe out, Museveni next.