The MDC Alliance has described the late Human Rights defender and Human Rights Watch Southern Africa Director, Dewa Mavhinga as an icon and champion of freedom and fairness.
Mavhinga a well known human rights defender reportedly succumbed to Covid-19 complications on Saturday in South Africa. He was 41.
In a statement, MDC Alliance secretary for Diaspora Affairs and Mobilisation, Clifford Hlatywayo said the democratic movement had been robbed of someone dedicated to the improvement of humanity.
“Dewa was an icon and champion of freedom, fairness and opportunity in Zimbabwe and the region. As highlighted by many, Dewa was a highly effective human rights activist whose work made many people’s lives better – whether it was standing in solidarity with those persecuted by the regime in Harare or ensuring that victims of human rights abuses across Southern Africa had access to justice.
“He was a hero of the fight for a better Zimbabwe. The democratic movement has been robbed of a great man who gave himself wholeheartedly to the cause of humanity. We have lost a brother, a mentor, leader, fighter and democrat. A sombre mood has engulfed the nation and its diaspora as we mourn a humble, enthusiastic and consistent comrade,” said Hlatswayo
He added “He stood with the incarcerated, the persecuted and those whose freedoms had been violated. Despite the risks associated with doing so, he spoke up against oppressors, no matter how large or callous. He often reached out to those who were on trial on flimsy, political charges and offered warm words of comfort and support.”
Hlatswayo said the Human rights defender seemed to have a premonition before his death when he called upon people to pray through a Facebook post three days before “because sickness intensifies in the wee hours of the morning, and the evil ones don’t rest until they ensure you don’t see a new dawn.”
