Four decades of history through Fr Ribeiro’s eyes
THE presence of the late Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley, Lord Soames (the last Governor of Rhodesia) and Britain’s Prince Charles at Zimbabwe’s April 18 1980 inaugural independence celebrations was largely a footnote of history for Roman Catholic priest Fr Emmanuel Ribeiro.
The devout Catholic last week gave an account of what he personally expected on the big day at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
“The Prince (Charles) was here to surrender back the country. Bob Marley and other top bands were around for the celebrations, but all that did not matter,” recounted Fr Ribeiro.
“I only eagerly awaited the moment Lord Soames pulled down the Union Jack and hoisted our Zimbabwe flag.”
Soames was Britain’s last colonial Governor in Rhodesia. He was one of the people the presided over Zimbabwe’s transition to majority rule.
Similarly, Charles, Prince of Wales, is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II. He gave a farewell salute to Rhodesia on behalf of the royal family and the former colonisers, Britain. The sheer weight of emotions on this historical moment, he recalls, was indescribable. Although he remained reticent, the dancing, whistling and ululation from the ecstatic crowd really moved him.
The hoisting of the flag was particularly surreal for the respected clergyman. “The day marked a moment of transformation and realisation as the country entered a new era. As the Zimbabwean flag was hoisted, it felt like eternity. I felt like I was seeing the colours for the first time. It was unbelievable that the moment had finally come,” added Fr Ribeiro, who was one of the officials at the epochal event.
He is among the few Zimbabweans who have first-hand experience of the brutal nature of the Rhodesian government, which was led by the late Ian Smith.
The masses who passionately opposed the racist minority regime and supported black majority rule were slaughtered in cold blood. His wish, however, was for most freedom fighters to live to witness this cherished joyous occasion. He said: “It was a bright day and everything was colourful. I could feel the new breeze. A lot was happening. Probably I could have enjoyed more if I was not too involved as part of the team that made sure everything was in order.”
Fr Ribeiro, who has been a priest for the past 50 years, was the first black chaplain-general of the prisons, army and police during the Smith regime.
The priest is discernibly uncomfortable talking about his personal experiences under Smith.
But he worries that the spirit of the revolution might be lost.
“I feel sad when I look at today’s youngsters. Most of the youths are misguided, lawless and lack patriotism. The spirit of ubuntu has collapsed.
“Most of the freedom fighters did not manage to see an independent Zimbabwe. Others did so but without limbs. It was sad noticing some of them dance to a new Zimbabwe in such a predicament. This is the reality that most of the current generation are not alive to,” he says.
He believes the National Youth Service (NYS) might do the trick.
The NYS was initially introduced in 2000 to mould youths into productive and responsible citizens, but later suspended due to funding constraints.
The need to produce patriotic youths, Fr Ribeiro added, cannot be overemphasised.
“When revived, some of the lectures should be conducted in prisons like the Harare Central, Chikurubi, Nyadzonia, Tembwe, Hwahwa and Sikombela as the places carry rich Zimbabwe history and need to be kept alive.” Covid-19 attack on Zim @40
The nation was for the first time going to hold its independence celebrations at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
However, that is not going to be possible due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This is the biggest pandemic in the history of the world. Most people are currently concerned about their safety, economy and things like food scarcity. Thus, celebrating independence is secondary. “However, there is need to always value our past, especially after turning 40. The situation we find ourselves in is transient, but our land, sovereignty and pride should remain intact,” he says. Freedom does not have to be commemorated on one single day but it is has to be celebrated every day, said Fr Ribeiro.