WE, in the village, value history; where we have come from is as important as where we are going.
Our country’s history is intertwined with resilience, sacrifice and the relentless pursuit of freedom.
Zimbabwe, once a battleground for the redress of colonial injustices, emerged as an independent State in 1980, marking the culmination of a protracted struggle against an oppressive system.
As we celebrate our 44th Independence Anniversary, it is crucial to pause and reflect on our glorious past.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s words must echo through the corridors of Zimbabwean identity.
The “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe liyakhwa ngabanikazi balo” philosophy is a profound and stark reminder that the nation is forged by its people.
It is not merely a slogan but a philosophical beacon calling for action, productivity and unwavering dedication to shaping a Zimbabwe envisioned and built by Zimbabweans themselves.
The path to independence was laden with hardships that left indelible marks on the nation’s psyche. Lives were lost, families shattered and scars — both physical and mental — linger as haunting reminders of a tumultuous past.
To suggest forgetting this history, as some misguided elements among us have suggested, and moving forward blindly is to overlook the very foundation upon which Zimbabwe stands today.
The liberation struggle, a testament to the fight against colonial injustices, was fuelled by legislative atrocities such as the Land Apportionment Act of 1931 and the Land Husbandry Act of 1951.
These draconian laws stripped Africans of their ancestral lands, impoverishing communities and perpetuating socio-economic disparities.
It was this systematic oppression that galvanised the liberation fighters to action, leading to the eventual triumph of good over evil.
Yet, decades later, calls for a change in mindset and politics are being pushed by those who have chosen to disregard the country’s history.
Some advocate a sweeping ‘regime change’, oblivious to the historical context that defines Zimbabwe’s present.
The centrality of land in this discourse cannot be overstated — it was the catalyst for armed resistance and remains a pivotal issue in contemporary Zimbabwean affairs.
Reflecting on the tumultuous journey to independence, one cannot overlook the thorns that adorned this path.
Lives were sacrificed, leaving behind physical and mental scars that still haunt many, serving as poignant reminders of the price paid for freedom.
Amidst calls to ‘forget the past and move forward’, a poignant question begs: Can a future truly exist without acknowledging the past?
Zimbabwe’s political landscape today stands testament to the echoes of history; shaping ideologies, policies and aspirations.
For the youth of Zimbabwe, understanding the essence of the liberation struggle is paramount. It was a battle against entrenched colonial injustices, a fight against a system designed to oppress and marginalise.
Racist laws like the Land Apportionment Act of 1931 and the Land Husbandry Act of 1951 were instruments of dispossession, robbing Africans of their ancestral lands and livelihoods.
We must constantly remind each other of the value of independence.
Independence holds immense value in the various aspects of our lives, ranging from personal freedom to economic self-sufficiency and beyond.
At an individual level, independence has bequeathed us autonomy and self-determination, enabling people to make choices that align with their values, goals and preferences without undue influence or coercion.
This sense of personal agency, which was not available in Rhodesia, fosters self-confidence, resilience and a strong sense of identity.
In the realm of governance, independence is a cornerstone of democracy and sovereignty. Nations strive for political independence to govern themselves without external interference, safeguarding their rights, interests and cultural heritage.
Independence in governance ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the populace.
Economically, independence signifies the ability of a nation or entity to sustain itself without excessive reliance on external resources or aid.
It fosters economic stability, innovation and competitiveness, leading to sustainable growth and prosperity.
Countries that prioritise economic independence can better weather global economic fluctuations and assert their economic interests on the international stage.
Moreover, independence plays a crucial role in personal relationships and interpersonal dynamics.
It encourages healthy boundaries, mutual respect and interdependence rather than an unhealthy dependence-syndrome.
In essence, the value of independence transcends various domains, empowering individuals, communities and nations to pursue their aspirations, protect their interests and uphold their fundamental rights and freedoms.
The liberation war wasn’t just about armed conflict; it was the ultimate expression of a people fed up with an unjust system and a quest for dignity, sovereignty and the right to own and cultivate the land that sustained generations.
It was a response to socio-economic degradation engineered by colonial powers for their own gain.
Happy 44th Independence Anniversary!
Businessman and philanthropist Tawanda Chenana is also the Secretary for Education, ZANU PF Mashonaland East Province.
