WE MARCHED FOR CHANGE BUT GOT A NEW DICTATOR

On this day in 2017, Zimbabweans took to the streets in their thousands. People were filled with hope. They believed it was the beginning of something new. The late Robert Mugabe, who had been in power for nearly 40 years, was finally losing his grip. The army had already stepped in days earlier on November 14, taking over key areas of the government. It was clear that Mugabe’s time was running out.

The marches were historic. Across cities like Harare and Bulawayo, people sang, danced, and carried banners calling for Mugabe to resign. It felt like a celebration of freedom. Even those who had suffered in silence for years came out to join. The streets were full of hope. Zimbabweans believed they were making history. The world watched, praising Zimbabweans for their courage. Everyone thought the end of Mugabe’s rule meant better days were ahead.

But looking back now, many feel they made a big mistake. The hope we had in 2017 feels like a dream that never came true. The man who came after Mugabe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has proven to be no better. In fact, some believe he is even worse. What was supposed to be a new beginning became the same old story. Corruption, violence, and oppression continue, just under a new name.

In 2017, the military called their takeover a “correction.” They said they were doing it to protect democracy. They even promised the world that Zimbabwe would have free and fair elections. They made it seem like Mnangagwa was the answer to the country’s problems. Many of us believed them. After all, we wanted to believe that anyone was better than Mugabe. Mnangagwa himself played into this. He spoke of reforms and a “new Zimbabwe.” He gave us promises of jobs, investment, and economic growth. People wanted to give him a chance.

But what happened? Just a few years later, Zimbabwe is still in crisis. The economy is worse than before. Prices are high, and salaries are low. Many families cannot afford basic food. Schools and hospitals are struggling to operate. The corruption we thought would end under Mnangagwa has only gotten worse. The promises of a “new Zimbabwe” turned out to be lies. Mnangagwa has kept the same bad habits that Mugabe had—arresting opposition leaders, silencing critics, and using violence to stay in power.

The truth is, we made a mistake in 2017. We believed that marching against Mugabe was enough to bring change. We thought removing one man would fix the country. But we forgot that the system itself was broken. Mnangagwa and Mugabe are part of the same system. They both worked together for decades, and they both know how to use power to their advantage. The people celebrated too soon, thinking the fight was over when it had only just begun.

It is painful to admit, but we must learn from this. Change does not happen just because one person leaves office. Real change comes when we change the entire system. We need leaders who care about the people and not just about staying in power. We need to demand more from those who promise to lead us. And we need to stay united in fighting for a better future.

In 2017, Zimbabweans marched with hope in their hearts. They wanted freedom, justice, and a better life. Instead, they got more of the same. The events of that year remind us that true change takes more than protests. It takes hard work, unity, and a clear vision for the future.

As we remember that day, let us not lose hope. Instead, let us learn from our mistakes. Let us stay vigilant and fight for the Zimbabwe we all dream of—a Zimbabwe that truly puts its people first. The dream is still alive, but it is up to us to make it real.