A toast to 42 years of freedom

TOMORROW, Zimbabwe celebrates its 42nd Independence anniversary.

President Mnangagwa will headline the main celebrations scheduled for Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

Ahead of the commemorations, The Sunday Mail reached out to Zimbabweans from various walks of life, who reflected on the significance of the day.

*******************

Dr Gift Machengete, director-general, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) Independence Day means a lot to me. l am one of those people who were born at the height of a repressive colonial system that affected our education, where we lived, where and how we worked.

We lived under the repressive system, which we read about in history books today. Our Independence restored our dignity. Independence brought with it human rights, which we were denied under the repressive systems. It brought economic empowerment and sovereignty.

Independence is important because it made us who we are today.

Mr Taungana Ndoro, director of communications and advocacy, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

Independence in Zimbabwe means that we can decide our economic, political and cultural fortunes on our own.

It means that the economy can be invigorated in order to create an egalitarian society.

The goals of national liberation include social, cultural, and economic progress.

For millions of Zimbabweans, opportunities for education, health care, employment, and other necessities improved with the coming of nationhood.

Tatenda Mavetera, ZANU PF Mashonaland East proportional representation legislator

Independence brought opportunities that were not available for women during the colonial era.

The land reform programme brought economic emancipation and we should applaud that. Through the land we have become economically productive.

We are also happy that women are now able to contest for politically influential positions.

As a result of our Independence, women are occupying positions of power and this helps us make policies that are pro-women.

Women now have the opportunity to get involved in business. This is because we are a liberalised and democratic country, which allows everyone to showcase what they are able to do.

Virginia Muwanigwa, Zimbabwe Gender Commission chief executive officer

As women, we are happy because Independence birthed our 2013 Constitution which has given us access to opportunities.

The Constitution provides for gender equality and equal access to socio-economic and political opportunities.

It has also eliminated discrimination because now everyone is equal before the law and that is why we celebrate this day.

Mandas Marikanda, Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank chief executive officer

On behalf of women, especially through the Zimbabwe Women’s Bank, we want to appreciate our Independence.

Independence has helped create an inclusive society where women can participate in any sphere they wish to.

Before Independence, women were at the bottom part of the economic pyramid.

We had no access to identity cards and no voice, but Independence brought with it our liberation; it restored our rights and gave us hope for a better life.

Now with the setting up of the Women’s Bank, a woman is no longer an object belonging to a man.

Phillip Kudakwashe Mafundu, trade unionist

When we talk about Independence as workers, we have to understand where we came from in order to be where we are today.

There were harsh labour laws under colonisation, our ancestors were peasants and there was no mass production.

Today, workers have rights and freedoms because of we are independent.

Dr Mthokozisi Nkosi, chairperson, Consumer Protection Commission

Independence means celebrating the lives and sacrifices of both our fallen and living heroes and heroines who made it possible for us to freely exercise our rights

Terrence Nyamazana, founder and general manager, Faith, Love and Hope Community Trust

Independence is the freedom that we got from the colonial regime after our forefathers waged the liberation struggle.

Today we celebrate self-determination and self-rule because of their sacrifices.

Coming to people living with disability, not very much has been done for us to feel and enjoy our national Independence.

Now that we are in the Second Republic, we are so grateful and hope more will be done for people living with disabilities.

◆