The convergence call: Re-imagining the promise of independence
FELLOW Zimbabweans, yesterday we commemorated 41 years of independence — an important national day in the history of our country. The importance of independence cannot be understated; for it speaks to our being, identity, nationhood and patriotism.
Our independence was hard won and fought for by every man, woman and child in this country. Independence was a product of citizens’ convergence around the liberation idea and promise — the liberation consensus. The occasion of Zimbabwe’s independence has always been a moment of great pride and triumph for us as a people who were once subjugated and held hostage by the cleavages of a system of oppression.
I join you in paying tribute to all our iconic heroes and heroines who sacrificed for the independence of our country from subjugation and repressive colonial rule.
The struggle’s seminal role in our history cannot be erased. It is part of our national heritage and national treasure as we honour the gallant sons and daughters, men and women who died for a great cause. Our debt of gratitude and unconditional appreciation goes to those who sacrificed their lives for the independence of our beloved beautiful Zimbabwe.
We give special recognition to the liberation heroes, war veterans, military and security services personnel, our retired veterans and all of you, the brave and patriotic people of Zimbabwe, for sacrificing everything for the attainment of our independence.
The war was waged by the majority to dismantle colonial injustices and the cause for restoration of dignity, universal suffrage (one-person one-vote), land ownership and economic independence and prosperity of this our great country. Thousands perished for this great and noble cause.
The war was waged for the establishment of a just and fair society where all citizens are treated the same regardless of their gender, race, creed, ethnicity or political affiliation — affording them an equal opportunity to prosper and pursue happiness. The liberation effort was a pursuit and quest to establish a transformational democratic developmental State, which places people at the centre of all developmental programmes. That promise of independence remains unfulfilled — the idea of independence was and is a pact and a contract between Zimbabwe and its citizens.
The liberation promise, the freedom promise, the peace promise, the prosperity promise and the transformation promise remain elusive for the greater number of our people. This promise remains unfulfilled, leading to many people, young and old, even questioning its worth.The 41-year-old journey thus far has proved that more still needs to be done to ensure that the people of Great Zimbabwe enjoy the fruits of the independence that came as a result of the selfless sacrifices by the combatants and the bravery of the masses who together complemented one another to ensure victory of the liberation war effort.
Four decades later, we are confronted with another threat to that independence in the form of a minority system based on brutality, marginalisation and discrimination, impunity and persecution using the Rhodesian manual or template of repression. After 41 years, we have not matured into a multi-party democracy that celebrates diversity of opinion and respects constitutionalism. We have had one continuous republic of violence, dictatorship and repression.The future of the republic and its progressive development are under threat and cannot be guaranteed if we don’t change course. It is vital to note that the spirit of independence did not end in 1980. It is an ongoing spirit, a never-ending indomitable spirit, one that has spurred fighters for democracy to ensure that the promises of 1980 are fulfilled. The spirit of independence must inspire present generations to keep on fighting and not to despair. Young people tood up against the colonial regime when it seemed impossible. The fight against repression is never impossible.
Fellow citizens, the contradictions arresting Zimbabwe today are a result of the hijacking of the agenda of the liberation struggle and a clear disrespect of those who sacrificed to secure the independence we are talking about today. It cannot be acceptable to have the levels of poverty in our society today; the people of Zimbabwe are subjected to unpalatable suffering, living from hand to mouth. There is need for economic emancipation; which includes opening up resources to ensure inclusive participation especially by women and the youth. There is also need to end international isolation. The country has suffered long periods of isolation since 1965 and this has largely been self-inflicted. A return to democracy, protection of human rights and fairness are critical in the path towards inclusion in the community of nations. Our independence was a product of African solidarity and international support. We salute African countries for their help to the liberation effort. We salute Zambia and other frontline states such as Tanzania for liberation assistance. Mozambique in particular played a critical role in the liberation of Zimbabwe. In this regard, may we deploy our solidarity to the great people of Mozambique as they go through a difficult period in their country. An unstable Mozambique is an unstable Sadc and indeed an unstable Africa. A threat to one is a threat to all. A lasting solution must be found in Mozambique so that there is peace and security in the region.We call for the complete realisation and preservation of an independent Africa as the continent’s new agenda to realise the aspirations of an independent African continent. An African continent that is free from oppression, an African continent that is driven by ideas and not instruments of repression. Today is our national birthday.We have just turned 41.
We take stock of our journey of growth since a euphoric birth in 1980. Much has been accomplished but more needs to be done. At 41, we have missed opportunities, neglected advantages and wasted moments. We have neglected the obvious quick wins and low-hanging fruits. At 41, there is so much unhappiness, anxiety and despair undeserved of citizens of such a great and rich country. At 41, the plight of our esteemed veterans is a source of disappointment. We don’t have adequate support and welfare benefits for our war veterans. Many still carry wounds and injuries from the wars. Many are living in-abject poverty and under squalid conditions. At 41, we have not addressed the national question and a shared national vision for our country. At 41, we still have one television station for the whole country with some parts of the country without radio, internet or network coverage. Having to rely on networks from neighbouring countries.At 41, the heavy handedness of the State against dissenting voices is something that needs to be resolved to nourish the democratic space. Many have trumped-up charges raised against them. Some are in prison for seeking to exercise their rights and fundamental freedoms. At 41, the existence of political prisoners of conscience and individuals in this country, who are accused of political crimes of demanding more rights and freedoms, is a clear reminder that our independence has been emptied of its meaning and in fact become a new place of oppression and lack of independence for the ordinary citizens of this country. At 41, the continued assault on the opposition MDC Alliance as a party that represents multiparty democracy is also evidence that on our country is on a dangerous path to entrenchment of a one-party State. As we speak, Last Tamai Maengahama and Tungamirai Madzokere have been in prison for years for a crime they did not commit, on top of the two years of pretrial detention. Makomborero Haruziviishe is serving 14 months in prison for sitting down and whistling. A Member of Parliament, Joana Mamombe and youth leader, Cecilia Chimbiri are in prison for holding a Press conference on top of the unspeakable ordeal they went through last year. At 41, political tolerance is still a missing link. Draconian laws and Bills are sailing through Parliament. We scheme against each other instead of planning together for a great Zimbabwe.
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