This year, Zimbabwe will be celebrating 39 years of self-rule, under the theme, ‘Zimbabwe at 39, embracing devolution for vision 2030.’
In commemorating Independence Day, the nation recalls how gallant sons and daughters sacrificed their precious lives to free Zimbabwe from the shackles of colonial bondage. Their selfless and unwavering commitment to set the nation free is what Zimbabwe celebrates today. Unlike other countries, the nation enjoys freedom of speech, association, worship and expression among others. As the nation celebrates Uhuru Day this year, it is imperative to appreciate the crucial role that was played by the fallen and living heroes and heroines in liberating the country.
The revolutionary party, ZANU PF, which was founded in 1963, led the nation in the attainment of its independence. Many of the founding fathers of the ruling party were active participants in the liberation struggle. Its cadres remain the backbone of the party, in periods of either contraction or expansion. It is pleasing that this year’s Independence Day will be commemorated with the bouncing back of former ZANU PF secretary for Administration, Cde Didymus Mutasa and former Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Cde Ambrose Mutinhiri.
The return of Cdes Mutasa and Mutinhiri reveals the unifying agenda that the revolutionary party is pursuing under the leadership of President Mnangagwa. They say, once you become a war veteran, you will remain a war veteran. Their dedication and sacrifice in the struggle for independence cannot be ignored. The fact that the two veterans are now back into the revolutionary party, means their contribution will further strengthen the unity that exists in ZANU PF.
As a party that brought independence, ZANU PF continues to be attuned to the needs of the electorate. To show that it’s indeed a people’s party, the recently held by-election in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo revealed that ZANU PF still continues to be a darling of the electorate. ZANU-PF candidate Cde Kidwell Mujuru won the by-election with 1 899 votes, against Ms Nomagugu Mloyi of MDC-Alliance who scored only 670 votes. The electorate are aware that the gains of independence that the ordinary Zimbabweans are enjoying are as a result of the struggles that the revolutionary party went through.
Under the new dispensation, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, ZANU PF continues to represent the interests of its people. In the previous administration led by former President, Robert Mugabe, the strength of the party was disturbed as members witnessed a lot of purges of senior ZANU PF officials. The expulsion of the senior officials, for no apparent reasons caused divisions within the ruling party, and this was affecting its party activities and programmes.
This year’s independence theme resonates well with President Mnangagwa’s vision, of making Zimbabwe a middle income economy by 2030. President Mnangagwa has been advocating for a united Zimbabwe. If Zimbabweans embrace President Mnangagwa’s ideology of peace and unity, the rebuilding and developing agenda will be simplified. A country can develop and remain independent, if there is peace and unity among its citizens.
As an independent State, Zimbabwe is free to trade and associate with other neighbouring countries. When he assumed office in November 2017, President Mnangagwa made a proclamation that Zimbabwe is open for business, and investors who may want to do business with it, are free to do so. Also, the nation has vast natural resources such as minerals and fertile soils that it can independently utilise to build a better Zimbabwe for the future generations.
Long live Zimbabwe.
