Nyasha believes it is time for Zimbabwe to start creating young leaders and make a better future for the country. Photo / Facebook
Nyasha believes it is time for Zimbabwe to start creating young leaders and make a better future for the country. Photo / Facebook
The news of Robert Mugabe's exit as president of Zimbabwe has spread to Zimbabweans around the world and for most, it is a time for celebration.
Nyasha Nyashanu, 21, came to New Zealand with his family 10 years ago for a different life, and hopes now for a better Zimbabwe to the one he grew up in.
One of two sons, Mr Nyashanu was just 12 years old when his family shifted from Zimbabwe and moved to Hamilton. His mum had been offered a job as a medical scientist at Waikato Hospital.
"If I was to compare something to New Zealand it would be how much access I have to resources such as education, food, health and well-being. People in New Zealand tend to take this for granted, hence the saying' first-world problems'," Mr Nyashanu said.
Mr Nyashanu attended Hamilton Boys High School and graduated from Waikato University with a degree in business management. He now works as finance settlements consultant for Mercedes.
Along with his brother Panashe, he is an accomplished sportsman, playing for Hamilton Boys High First XI football team and most recently taking out second place in the novice men's physique at the NABBA North Harbour Championships in Auckland.
Mr Nyashanu is thankful for the opportunities New Zealand has given him to get him to where he is today, but still has strong memories from his home in Zimbabwe.
"My memories from home are my family. They probably stand out, out of all my experiences in Zimbabwe."
"Back in Zimbabwe we had a massive area. It was huge and awesome."
"We did have power cuts growing up so it's awesome not having to worry about that here. It's not like we were at risk of death or anything, but it wasn't fun."
Mr Nyashanu still has family in Zimbabwe who are witnessing the first change of power in more than 40 years.
Mr Nyashanu believes Mugabe was a strong leader but overstayed in his position.
"I'll be a critic and point out that he's actually done a lot for Zimbabwe.
"Under his reign we became the country with the highest literacy rate in Africa, and at one point we had a currency more powerful than the British pound."
"In saying that though, the last 18 years have been so bad due to bad leadership.
"It's not just Mugabe but the entire government. He should have taken responsibility for the ailing economy but he didn't."
From Left, Nyasha, Mabel, Godhelp and Panashe Nyashanu at Nyasha's graduation in 2016. Photo / Supplied
Mr Nyashanu said that Mugabe's personal life choices did not help his image, which he believes is the main reason the western world looked upon him as a dictator.
"I'm happy he's finally left after nearly 40 years in power. It's a huge change for our family as many of us, including myself, only knew of one leader."
"I hope Emmerson Mnangagwa can look at improving the economy moving forward. It is going to take a very long time, but we will get there one day. In the long term however, I hope Mnangagwa can pave the way for a young leader to step up and lead a new Zimbabwe."
