The Zimbabwe Youth Action Platform, an affiliate of the ruling ZANU-PF party, has urged the public to recognise the 2017 Operation Restore Legacy as a collective national effort rather than the work of a single individual.
In a statement on Thursday, ZYAP National President Tonderai Chidawa said it was misleading and divisive for anyone to claim sole credit for the events that led to the birth of the Second Republic.
“It is imperative to address narratives circulating on social media that suggest the 2017 Operation Restore Legacy was orchestrated by one individual,” Chidawa said.
“The successes of that operation were achieved through the collective efforts of youth, war veterans, parliamentarians, senior security officers, business leaders, Cabinet ministers, and government officials.”
Chidawa noted that he and several other young activists, including Emmanuel Sandura, Taku Mazambani, Gabhu Togarepi, Blessed Mushando, and Justice Matsatsira, played crucial but often unrecognised roles during the political transition.
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He said many of them faced expulsion from ZANU-PF under the late former President Robert Mugabe’s administration for their involvement in the push for change.
The ZYAP leader also highlighted the contribution of businessman Kuda Tagwirei, describing him as a key financier and moral supporter during the operation.
“It is a gross misrepresentation to assert that Mr. Tagwirei played no role in the operation,” Chidawa said. “Those involved are well aware he was the fuel behind the Restore Legacy vehicle.”
Chidawa criticised what he termed “misguided boasting” by certain officials who now claim to have been central to the 2017 events, warning that such narratives undermine the spirit of unity that characterised the transition. He said ZYAP was prepared to release further information clarifying the actual roles played by different individuals.
He also acknowledged the contributions of women and security sector leaders during the operation, citing the late Nyenge Mahofa and Attorney General Virginia Mabhiza among those who demonstrated leadership, as well as senior security officials such as Nhepera, Sanyatwe, and the Moyos.
Chidawa further noted that churches and opposition parties played supportive roles in promoting peace and dialogue during the tense political period.
“Ultimately, the restoration of legacy in 2017 was not the achievement of any single individual; it was a concerted effort by all Zimbabweans,” he said.
“Let us honour this legacy by recognising the contributions of all who played a role, rather than elevating one individual above the many who fought tirelessly for the future of our nation.”
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