Zimbabwe activists: 'Mugabe-ism' must fall

Zimbabwean activist and leader of the #SheVotes campaign, Maureen Kademaunga says removing Mugabe is an exciting development for the country but it is still not enough to revive the country that was once known as 'Africa's bread basket'.

Kademaunga was addressing a discussion in Johannesburg, held by the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum-SA (ZSF-SA) on Wednesday, around the unfolding political developments in Zimbabwe following the shock resignation of the world's longest serving statesman. 

Mugabe, who led his country for 37 years, finally succumbed to mounting pressure for him to step down on Tuesday. 

"Zimbabwe had become the perfect graveyard for burying hopes and aspirations. Our people had lost hope. That is what was revived yesterday: hope. It's an opportunity for our people to continue to organise," says Kademaunga.

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READ: Celebrations on streets of Zimbabwe after Robert Mugabe resigns 

ZSF-SA's Venetia Govender cautioned that while the events of the past week are being celebrated as a "hallelujah moment", the real work is yet to begin. 

"Its going to be a lot more complex, it's the 'Mugabe-ism' of everyday life that needs to be tackled. We need to ensure that the people's voice is not silenced and Zimbabweans don't suffer the same humiliation of the passed few of decades." 

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ALSO READ: Robert Mugabe resigns after 37 years in power

Human Right's Watch Southern Africa Director Dewa Mavhinga says the role played by the army and Mugabe's likely successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa in the country's bloodshed, should also not be forgotten. 

"These are the same soldiers that were receiving kisses yesterday. We must be mindful that Mnangagwa, the army and Robert Mugabe are cut from the same cloth. We must  advantage of this euphoria and moment to pave the way for for free fair and credible elections."

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READ: Zimbabwe's next leader heads home after Mugabe exit

Jacaranda FM News' Zimbabwe correspondent Zenzele Ndebele gave a detailed account of the excitement following Mugabe's resignation.

Ndebele was only one year old when Mugabe assumed power and is the only president he has ever known.

"I lost a lot of relatives during the Matebeleland massacres. We are seven in my family and six of my siblings are in South Africa. I am the only one left here in Zimbabwe. Mnangagwa has a lot of convincing to do to show he is better than Mugabe, otherwise this is merely recycling." 

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Meanwhile Zimbabwe's former vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa is to return to the country on Wednesday.

He will be sworn in as president at a ceremony on Friday.

Mnangagwa met with President Jacob Zuma before heading back home.