What a cold month June always is — it surprises me every year. Ezinye izinto azijwayeleki like the spine chilling news that Doctor Alex Tawanda Magaisa has passed away. It is only fitting that I write a tribute. After all, it is writing that brought us together. But more so because Mr. Magaisa was a brother, mentor and friend who held my hand as I have sought to better understand Zimbabwean politics. There are not enough words to celebrate Mr. Magaisa, in fact, words fail me today. I should not be writing a tribute, we should be going over how the latest BSR was received, how we can clarify the areas that weren’t well understood, and how we can improve the next offering. I should be laughing at Mr. Magaisa’s attempt at speaking isiNdebele — he would always make an effort.
A patriot
A man of the people
Who served to the end
Who will live, for generations to come
We will tell his story
I have never met anyone more dedicated to the constitution and the democratic cause like Mr. Magaisa. He always brought it back to the constitution and even then, he would acknowledge that the constitution is not a perfect document, especially on the rights of marginalized groups. He was a principled man, even when it wasn’t convenient. During the coup-that-was-not-a-coup-but-is-now-widely-accepted-as-a-coup, he stood firm, against popular opinion. He insisted that the coup was unconstitutional and that the coup-not-a-coup was a coup. He would explain that just because it was convenient and desirable, it was not legal. A courageous man he was!
Bright eyed me DM’ed thee Doctor Alex Magaisa; the constitutional lawyer, lecturer at the University of Kent and former advisor to the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Consitution Reform Lead. My offer was simple, I was ready to assist him with the research and writing of the BSR. The response I received warmed my heart. He responded as though we were peers and treated me with the utmost respect and regard. And it’s been a wild ride since. One of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I knew nothing about politics or the constitution at the time. I was so enthusiastic, a little too ethusiastic. I was naive. Mr. Magaisa did not curb my excitement but redirected my energy to learning. We had so much planned for the BSR but alas!
Mr. Magaisa was so dedicated to the The Big Saturday Read (BSR) — his leadership kept the team going through some difficult times. He was consistent, disciplined and dedicated. He grew it into a team of individuals passionate about seeing a better Zimbabwe. The BSR examined the state of politics in Zimbabwe with the goal of helping citizens become more informed and engaged. Through the BSR, we presented a thorough analysis of the law, a critique of politics and exposed corruption and mismanagement of government funds. The BSR challenged ordinary Zimbabweans to question the policies of the regime with the hope that this will be prepare us to implement sound and progressive policies once the iron fist is removed. There have been many situations where we have had to pivot and change the BSR in response to a significant event or the news cycle. I watched as Mr. Magaisa quickly put together a new BSR without compromising the quality. He was always sure to qoute the constitution, the law and explain it in layman’s terms. He had a special talent for simplifying very complex things.
Isihlahla esikhulu sesiwile.
Kufa awunamahloni, awusuthi, uthatha umkhomo owama amatshe esancwebeka.
Uyazingela, silibele, unqobe.
Kufa awula zwelo, umhlaba uvele umubi kangaka, awuthikazi, uthatha konke lamaqhawe ethu. Siphumuze.
Awuhloniphi, uthatha labakha izizwe — amaqhawe ethu.
Mr. Magaisa could have used all the legalese in the world to show his superior intellect and understanding of the constitution. His office, experience and accolades allowed him to. Instead, he made it his life’s work to make sure that everyone could understand the constitution and law. I deeply admired him for that! Mr. Magaisa was always willing to listen and think things through together. He was so patient, always educating, always listening to my viewpoint even when it was uninformed. I could call on Mr. Magaisa for anything. A question, a personal challenge- absolutely anything. He was so generous! He didn’t have to, but he gave me so many opportunities. I have been in rooms I could have never imagined thanks to Mr. Magaisa. I have contributed to conversations well above my qualifications thanks to Mr. Magaisa. I have survived trying times thanks to Mr. Magaisa. I know so much about the constitution, about politics thanks to Mr. Magaisa. I have been asking myself how he managed to be this generous person to many people.
What is election season without the brilliant analyisis of Mr. Magaisa? Who will explain policy and the legality of the things politicians do? This cuts deep because Mr. Magaisa has passed on so young and before the dream of a free Zimbabwe has been realized. A dream that he dedicated his life to. A dream he nurtured. What a humble and brilliant man!
If this loss feels so monumental for us. What of his family? My sincere condolences to the Magaisa family. Thank you for sharing your husband, father, brother and son with us. How he loved you all! What a man! What a legacy!
He who holds the pen is no more.
How then is the pen mightier than the sword?
Rest in peace, Wamagaisa!
