Manicaland, Zimbabwe – The ruling party-aligned Varakashi4ED movement is in mourning following the tragic and untimely death of its Manicaland Provincial Chairman, Cde Nelson “Nelly” Madziwa, who passed away from injuries sustained in a fatal road traffic accident. The news has sent shockwaves through ZANU PF structures, grassroots supporters, and Zimbabwe’s wider political and online communities.
The announcement of Madziwa’s death was made on Monday by Jones Musara, a fellow Varakashi4ED official, who described him as “a loyal and well-mannered cadre” whose contributions to the digital wing of the ruling party were both significant and far-reaching.
“Cde Madziwa was instrumental in building the Varakashi4ED movement from the ground up, particularly here in Manicaland,” Musara said. “His energy, loyalty, and commitment to President Mnangagwa’s vision were unmatched. His death is a great loss to the province and the entire movement.”
Nelson Madziwa was not only known for his political activism but had also emerged as a success story in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. A passionate smallholder tobacco farmer, he was recently featured in The Herald on 25 July 2025 as one of the country’s most promising young farmers. The article highlighted his role in improving livelihoods in rural communities through tobacco farming and diversification into livestock and other crops.
“Our lives have changed for the better,” Madziwa was quoted as saying in the feature. “Most smallholder farmers are now living in proper homes with decent facilities. We are earning more, buying livestock, and investing in our futures.”
Tributes from supporters have flooded social media, with many sharing images of Madziwa posing proudly in his lush tobacco fields—now being widely circulated as a celebration of his legacy.
Snowball Tongogara, a close ally and fellow Varakashi4ED member, expressed disbelief and sorrow at the news:
“Life is not fair guys. I’m still in denial that Cde Nelly is gone. Just a few days ago, The Herald celebrated his achievements. We were all so proud.”
Shock as Varakashi4ED Manicaland Chairman Nelson “Nelly” Madziwa Dies in Road Crash
News of Madziwa’s passing triggered a wave of emotional and politically charged responses online. While many expressed condolences and remembered his contributions, others used the moment to highlight the country’s systemic challenges—from failing infrastructure to poor emergency response.
Some mourners posted heartfelt messages:
Mbongeni Dingani: “MHSRIP. Unfortunately, corruption and poor roads affect us all.”
Assa Ngara (in Shona): “May his soul rest in peace. Nyaradzvai naMwari Varakashi. Uko hakuna mazizi, hakuna murakashi. Tose tichaendaewo.”
However, a segment of social media responses was less sympathetic, revealing the depth of Zimbabwe’s political polarization:
Sam: “God is great. One EDiot gone. He was wasting oxygen.”
2Boy: “Ngaende ngaende munhu uyu idhodhi.” (Let him go. He was trash.)
Warwick: “He died from RTA. No emergency services. Ma1.”
Dominic: “Another one bites the dust.”
These raw and often unfiltered reactions illustrate the stark political divisions and public frustration with Zimbabwe’s deteriorating road safety and public service infrastructure.
To his supporters, Cde Madziwa embodied the youthful energy and grassroots power of ZANU PF’s digital outreach. As a central figure in the Varakashi4ED movement—formed in March 2022 to mobilize online support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa—Madziwa played a leading role in shaping the group’s social media strategy, defending party policies, and promoting state development narratives.
To critics, however, he symbolized the ruling party’s use of state-aligned digital activists to suppress dissent, amplify propaganda, and harass opposition voices online.
Regardless of political leanings, many agree that his passing underscores broader issues: the urgent need for road safety reforms, investment in public emergency services, and a shift toward more constructive political discourse in the country.
Funeral arrangements for Nelson Madziwa are yet to be officially announced. However, sources close to the family say preparations are underway, and a memorial service is expected to be held in his hometown in Manicaland.
As tributes continue to pour in and political commentary rages on, one thing is certain—Cde Nelson “Nelly” Madziwa’s death marks a sobering moment for both his allies and critics. Whether seen as a rising political mobilizer or a divisive figure, his absence will leave a void in a movement he helped shape from its inception.
May his soul rest in peace.
Source- ZimEye
