“Although it is sweet to serve one’s country by deeds, it is not absurd to serve her by words.” – Anonymous
“It is the love of country that has lighted and that keeps glowing the holy fire of patriotism.” – (J. Horace McFarland)

THE aforementioned quotations all allude to the meaning and profundity of the word ‘patriotism’.
Today, we all speak of being ‘proudly Zimbabwean’, but do we know what we mean?
The raging ongoing public debate and the many disparate sentiments on the National School Pledge and patriotism prompted this writer to look further into the meaning of patriotism and the National School Pledge.
How is patriotism to be defined?
The word ‘patriot’ is derived from the Greek word patriotes and the Latin word patriota.
Its usage is traceable back to the ancient Roman Republic.
For example, the links between father, authority, family, property and politics were observed in the Roman patrician class who possessed considerable wealth in land and were dominant during the older Roman era.
Circa the 16th Century, the word ‘patriot’ was brought into use in the English language; but is it only a word?
The basic Standard English Dictionary definition reads: “Patriotism is love of one’s country,” which encompasses the core meaning of the term in ordinary use.
However, should patriotism not also suggest a person who enthusiastically supports his country and its way of life?
A sense of personal identification with one’s country?
A special concern for the well-being of that country?
And/or a willingness to promote the country’s good?
The word ‘patriotism’ denotes a devotion to one’s own country and a concern for its development.
It is the awareness of our moral duties to our own community.
Accordingly, patriotism can be defined as: “Love of one’s country, identification with it and special concern for its well-being, including that of one’s compatriots.”
It is a national responsibility that should be the backbone of our National School Pledge.
For African people, patriotism came naturally.
In fact, we took up arms to defend our sovereignty, honour and right to live and prosper in our God-given land.
Should we not be proud of this achievement?
As I see it, the words ‘pledge/oath’ are where the problem stems, a question of semantics!
I was surprised by an American-based Zimbabwean radio station Studio 7, which erroneously translated the National School Pledge to mean ‘mhiko’ in Shona.
Perhaps it is this erroneous cultural-linguistic mistranslation of the word ‘pledge’ as mhiko, that anger or rile the discontented.
National School Pledge haisi mhiko vabereki!
It is a public pronouncement of one’s allegiance to one’s country.
By reciting the National School Pledge, you are simply asking God to help you serve yourself and the nation.
It needs to be understood in the context that we are citizens of Zimbabwe and by virtue of that birthright, should be proud to serve and defend our country.
It should not be misconstrued as a cult or any other ‘ism’ or doctrine, but as an announcement of loyalty to your national birthright and civic responsibility.
If our forefathers can build an edifice as remarkable as the Great Zimbabwe, there should be many Great Zimbabwes’ in every sphere of life.
Therefore, from the football team, rugby, cricket, industrial production, scholastic achievement, music, dance, right down to the way we carry ourselves and speak should be buoyed by the same spirit of greatness that created our Great Zimbabwe.
Therefore, African patriotism is beyond self, it is about everyone.
As Theodore Roosevelt said: “This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.”
It is this spirit of patriotism that should permeate all spheres of public life in order for the people to understand and adhere to their common ideals.
Breaching our patriotic ideals by swearing allegiance to other nations while in search of what are perceived ‘greener pastures’, shows how some Zimbabweans have decidedly forfeited their birthright and allegiance to their country.
You will never hear an American or British citizen say he/she is not proud to be a national.
A people loyal to themselves and their country should feel proud of their nation and gather a sense of pride and honour each time they say the National School Pledge and ask God to protect them.
It therefore makes sense to proclaim the National School Pledge each day.
All solid nations and even families are founded and built on patriotism.
A pledge is therefore a pronouncement of one’s sincerity to one’s nation.
It says: This is my country, my home; I am loyal to it and show special concern for its well-being.
The pledge is a formal declaration of allegiance to one’s country (and all its prospects), which by the way fellow Christians, is a blessing from the Almighty.
Our native land of birth and ancestry is the freedom which we truly enjoy.
However, only when we promote it, make use of it and stand guard over it is it truly ours.
It was patriotism that brought together freedom fighters to pay the ultimate sacrifice and to take up arms to free the country.
Chimurenga/Umvukela was one of the greatest tribal and ethnic unifiers and the noblest show of patriotism and should be remembered and recognised as such.
To conclude the article, a few quotes aptly sum up patriotism for Zimbabwe.
“Men should love their country, not because it is great, but because it is their own.” – Seneca
“My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of (land and freedom), and which no other people on earth enjoy.” – Thomas Jefferson.
Dr Tony Monda holds a PhD in Art Theory and Philosophy and a DBA (Doctorate in Business Administration) and Post-Colonial Heritage Studies. He is a writer, lecturer, musician, art critic, practising artist and Corporate Image Consultant. He is also a specialist Art Consultant, Post-Colonial Scholar, Zimbabwean Socio-Economic analyst and researcher.
For views and comments, email: tonym.MONDA@gmail.com