Correspondent|MDC Youth Assembly chairman Happymore Chidziva who turns 38 today is giving up leadership of the opposition party’s youth wing.
In a long statement marking his own 38th birthday today, Chidziva who is also the legislator for Highfieds West, regretted he had “not given much attention to my family and friends because I was called to serve the country.”
He added that he was no seeking re-election next year at the MDC congress as he felt it was time to pass on the baton to someone younger.
“This is my last term as the commander of this movement’s youth assembly, next year at congress I am passing the baton to a new generation. Nonetheless, I will remain youthful in mind and deeds and will carry on with the struggle at a position which the assembly will deploy me,” Chidziva said.
He added: “To our friends in the student movement, I am deeply grateful for your support over these years. I extend the same gratitude to our friends from civic society for the continued solidarity.
“All vendors and trade unions, I am so proud of you. You have been so resolute in pushing the people’s struggle forward. Your efforts will not go in vain, we shall be rewarded by the sweetness of a new Zimbabwe.
“Our friends from the Christian fraternity have been so crucial in our political journey, their prayers have saved us in some life threatening situations. For that, I pray that our God richly bless them.
“To my President Advocate Nelson Chamisa, I thank you for inspiring me and supporting me throughout in our efforts.”
Chidziva thanked his family and friends for their support, saying he was no longer a Chidziva son alone as he had a huge political constituency to serve as well.
“I acknowledge that I have not given much attention to my family and friends because I was called to serve the country. From the day I accepted to serve in the fight against dictorship in our quest for change, I ceased to be a Chidziva son alone. However, I always remember you and I deeply cherish your support.
“To the party leadership and membership, I am so proud to have all of you around in all your greatness. To the MDC Youth Assembly, I am extremely thankful to you my dear comrades. If it wasn’t because of you, I would be struggling to serve. I am happy and able to execute my responsibilities for I have comfort in your company.
“This year has been a year of many struggles, each day was met with a new struggle. I am glad that the challenges I faced gave me courage to tirelessly fight on until this nation is rescued from the jaws of poverty.
“My energy is renewed by challenges and no amount of intimidation, arrests an torture will defeat my spirit to fight for a just and democratic Zimbabwe.”