Flame of freedom still burns bright

Dr Obert Moses Mpofu

AS Zimbabwe celebrated its 44th independence anniversary on Thursday, so much can be said.

The story of how our independence was attained and the importance of ensuring that we jealousy guard the gains of our freedom can never be overstated.

The story for our independence hinges on the sacrifice of thousands of Zimbabweans who fought to free the country from colonial rule.

So much was sacrificed.

The goal of our oppressors was that “not in a thousand years” would there be a free Zimbabwe.

They never fathomed a free Zimbabwe.

Well, it took only 16 years for Zimbabwe to be unshackled from colonialism.

The 16 years of the armed struggle gave birth to a lifetime of freedom.

However, we should all remember that our beloved country was under subjugation longer than it has been free.

As difficult as it was, we attained our freedom, but we are yet to fully achieve economic emancipation.

Very few of us understand what true freedom means.

It is more than saying we are free.

It is living up to the expectations of a free man in a liberated land.

It is the ability to chart one’s path unimpeded and without fear.

This is what we have been doing as ZANU PF, the party that won the country’s independence.

As we move forward in our developmental trajectory, we should never forget where we came from.

The past is a reminder of the hard-won freedom that came at a huge cost.

So many of our comrades did not see an independent and free Zimbabwe.

It is up to us who had the privilege to cross over into a free Zimbabwe not to betray the cause.

How joyous it is that we are in a free Zimbabwe!

Even after close to half a century of freedom, there are those who still find Zimbabwe’s freedom a bitter pill to swallow.

Some still yearn for the old days when we were under colonial subjugation.

Well, it is our turn to tell them “not in a thousand years”.

As rightly put by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, in his Independence Day celebrations speech in Murambinda, Manicaland province, Zimbabwe is forging ahead despite the illegal sanctions imposed on us by our detractors.

We are still in the trenches, dear comrades.

The goal is to take Zimbabwe into a golden age by ensuring that we attain the economic freedom and success we so desire.

We will continue forging ahead.

As we continue to fight for economic emancipation, the focus must be on protecting the gains of our liberation.

Let us all treasure this sweet freedom we enjoy in our motherland, for it came at a heavy price.

Its value and the sacrifices made should forever be ingrained in our people.

Lessons and experiences in the path to freedom should never be forgotten and should serve as a stark reminder of the difficult times we endured as a people under the oppressive colonial regime.

It is up to the current generation to safeguard the gains made thus far.

Much of the groundwork has already been laid for them and what is required is continuity.

They should continue the work we started and ensure that the dreams and aspirations of those who made the ultimate sacrifice are realised.

With the Chitepo School of Ideology and the recently reintroduced Youth Service in Zimbabwe being adopted as the preferred tools for sharpening the minds of our youth, we will ensure that the gains of our liberation struggle remain intact.

Long live freedom!

Long live Zimbabwe!

Dr Obert Moses Mpofu is an academic and the Secretary-General of ZANU PF. He writes in his own capacity.