By Trevor Makonyonga
The word kuganza has become very common among the youths. It comes with variations like ‘ganzing,’ ‘ganza tinzwe’ and there is actually a ‘ganzing mode’ which can be activated or deactivated. Such words like ‘bholato’ ( which simply means okay) popularised by Zimdancehall musician, Seh Calaz have somewhat kept the streets vibrant.
Kuganza is when one lacks humility or is too pompous. It is an upgrade of ‘kuzvifonera’ (self calling, pride, lack of humility). Most youths would activate their ganzing mode at the slightest sight of fame. Even if that sight is obscure, youths will lose their calm and develop big heads.
It only takes people who understand that they are not the start of the line (because others have done it before) and that they are not the end of the line (because others will come after them) to keep their hearts calm and heads level. Such would be the example of biker, Tanya Muzinda.
Interacting with her on Twitter could trigger the question that is mostly common in African soccer, is she really sixteen?
Her Twitter bio includes the statement, “Racing dirty bikes for girl’s education.”
How selfless and thoughtful could this sixteen year old be? It is the depth in her tweets and interactions that certainly prove that Joshua Nkomo was right when he said that Zimbabwe would not die because the youth will save her. For Tanya she resembles both saving and serving. She has proven that it doesn’t take age to be a leader, using her influence she is speaking against inequality and is challenging some existing social conventions in ways not imagined.
She has been paying school fees for her peers and is keen on girls’ education. She has set up a gofundme page for an aspiring young footballer named Kuda to attend a soccer camp in the United Kingdom. She has called for people to help in various ways to anyone who tags her for assistance. In one of her posts she protests against child marriages which have continued to bedevil our land.
She posted, “We are Girls, We are not Brides! I urge governments and CSOs to prioritize that girls have access to 12 years of Education and skills they need for the workforce. Let’s all help to fight Child marriages ,Gender-based violence and improving girls health and nutrition.”
Recently she even weighed in on the arrest of MDC A legislator, Joana Mamombe saying that authorities should give “justice a chance.”
“The Public humiliation , a heavy hand used on the Youngest MP no matter the circumstances is a shock and clear violation on the Rights of Women to speak up. l urge authorities to use restraint and give Justice a chance .Mental health is a threat to humankind #JusticeForJoanna.” Tanya tweeted.
She also said, “Politics is interactive it’s about communities ,its not a Family Law it is a Public Law a place and arena to solve our problems and persuing solutions in the Public Space .Stop using Politics as an excuse to shut people down and divide listen to pple & their stories without bias.”
To top the fight for education and justice, the young biker has also spoken about development and climate change. As Africa developmental issues remain at the core of discussions and when young leaders are keen on such issues, the wise thing to do would be to listen.
The EU honorary ambassador said, “You don’t build a Village, you build the people and the people build the Village. Without empowering the people through education, clean water, health care, equal opportunities and Justice the dream to build a Great village will remain a pipe dream.”
On climate she said, “We did not inherit the earth from our ancestors we borrowed it from our children, that is the very reason it should be protected for the next generations. #SaveHwangeNationalPark”.
The motorcross champion has had a career spanning over a decade and has been consistent on her cause towards bettering the world. Her nomination and shortlist for this year’s Nickelodeon and Times Magazine kid of the year is not a mere accolade but a testament of the life she continues to exhibit.
The most amazing thing about Tanya Muzinda’s passion is that she does not only inspire her peers but also adults. There is not a level of ‘kuganza’ witnessed in her, only purity and leadership. The star in her has to keep shining so that all can do their part in their on way and the world could be better than it is today.
