Zimbabwe's military isn't officially calling it a coup d'etat, but the last couple days have them looking like they could overthrow long-standing President Robert Mugabe.

Swift Current resident Collin Nyabadza came to Canada from Zimbabwe 16 years ago and hopes the move brings about democracy in his homeland.

"I think this could really be a good way forward, because from what we gather, the idea is to remove Mugabe, and once he has been removed, then they must install a caretaker government, because we're already planning for elections sometime next year. And then we could use that time now to prepare for those elections, and then return to civilian rule - like a democratically-elected government."

Nyabadza - who grew up in Baloyi, the second-largest city in Zimbabwe - has lived in Swift Current for the last five years, after originally spending 11 in Montreal. The 49 year old is a support worker with Southwest Homes and coaches soccer as well.

He has a wife and two kids in Swift Current - including a son born just earlier this month - but still has family and friends back home.

"I think this could really be the beginning of a new dawn for the nation," he said. "Because people have suffered a lot - that's the truth. At this stage, I think people don't really mind - whether it's the military, or whoever coming in - as long as Mugabe is no longer there. I think he has been the main stumbling block as far as we can say. If he can be out of the picture, I think this could really be the beginning of better things to come for the nation."

Zimbabwe's independence from Great Britain was recognized in 1980, and Mugabe became prime minister until he took over as president in 1987, where he's been ever since.

Zimbabwe has operated as a one-party state, so Nyabadza says its future as a democracy is contingent upon elections being open to other parties.

Nyabadza called the 93-year-old Mugabe cunning. It does take skill - and certainly resources - to remain in power of a country for 37 years.

Nyabadza said this isn't the first time it appeared Mugabe's rule was in jeopardy.

"There was a time when we really thought, 'this time he's done,' and then he'll just twist things around... I think this time he's really gone. If people stand as a united force and say, 'hey, this is the story - you get going.'"

A peaceful transition is something Nyabadza hopes for. He also said the reason it's taken 37 years to come to this point is because Mugabe has taken advantage of the nation's tolerance.

Stay tuned to Swift Current Online, as there will be a story on what Nyabadza does to help students back in Zimbabwe.