Malaba Case Important For Democracy - Magaisa

United Kingdom-based law lecturer, Alex Tawanda Magaisa has said the case of ousted Chief Justice Luke Malaba is an important milestone as far as democracy in Zimbabwe is concerned.

He makes the remarks when some have argued that the celebrations over the ouster of the learned judge were premature as he was set to appeal the High Court ruling that declared the extension of his term of office null and void. Magaisa said:

I have immersed myself in studying the US Civil Rights Movement in the 50s & 60s. The legal strategy is part of the fight for rights & democratic space. It is not the only one but it is important. Knocking down the edifice of dictatorship is not a one-day event but a process.

I remember one of the doyens of that struggle saying every struggle requires moments of victory, no matter how small. They provide a glimpse of hope; that it’s possible. We knew the regime would fight back & it is. Still, we pursue; focused & tenacious. Nothing lasts forever.

There’s nothing supremely strategic about this lot. But what they think they have right now is power & they simply abuse it to achieve their end. However, citizens must believe that they are the repositories of power. Without citizens there’s no nation; no one to govern.