Shupikai Chironza’s* story of finding a new life in South Africa
“I was an active member of the Movement of Democratic Change in Zimbabwe. There was a great deal of violence…”
I was an active member of the Movement of Democratic Change in Zimbabwe. There was a great deal of violence orchestrated by state security forces, against opposition and civil society activists. Due to my daunting task of advocating for the rights of people, l became an enemy to many in 2008 before the national elections. I was involved in a car accident that was to determine the course of the rest of my life. I suffered severe spinal injuries that not only took away (the use of) my legs but my dreams as a young woman. I was pretty good in defending rights and had hopes of making it in the Government someday, travelling around the world and eventually settling down with the man of my dreams. All of these plans went down the drain on that fateful March afternoon.
Due to the on-going political violence in my country, I had to seek refuge in South Africa because I felt safe there. I reached South Africa in April 2008 and did not have the chance to cast my vote. I applied for political asylum.
I was in and out of the hospital partly because I could not handle the fact that I was physically disabled. I used to wake up in the middle of the night and cry bitterly, lamenting my bad fortunes. I was devastated. I knew I would probably be in a wheelchair forever, but I had to do something to provide for myself. My attitude changed immediately after Jesuit Refugee Services, sent me to rehabilitation in 2009. I pulled myself up with the help of some disabled women and men who befriended me at the rehabilitation centre. After all, there is no gain crying over spilt milk and I realized that I had a whole life ahead of me.
At first I didn’t know what to do because I did not finish my degree. My accident occurred when I was a sophomore (2nd year) at university. Hope was however renewed when I was introduced to organisations that defend human rights. I now work full time as a human rights advocate and managed to finish my degree through the University of South Africa. Life can never be this good, now that l help vulnerable groups fight for their rights. I am well settled and give thanks to all those who took part in making my life be what it is today.
*Name changed for protection reasons
Text by: Nozipho Ncube
