The Sunday Mail
Every year, Zimbabwe reflects on the journey of transitioning from a colonial State to a proudly Independent country. The Sunday Mail spoke to a cross section of Zimbabweans for their views as the country turns 41.
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Nyasha Masoka
Nyasha Masoka, who was born in 1980, believes Independence has brought endless possibilities for Zimbabweans, particularly the youth.
He said while those that fought the oppressive and racist settler regime left behind their families, jobs and education to take up arms and liberate the country, youths were now benefiting from the fruits of their heroic struggle.
He has been supporting hundreds of people in Murehwa and other parts of the country with food hampers, especially during the Covid-19 lockdown period.
Over the Easter holiday, he donated food hampers to hundreds of people in Dzivaresekwa, Harare, and has previously donated computers to schools.
He has started poultry and piggery projects, and is paying school fees for orphans and the underprivileged, in addition to drilling boreholes and establishing community gardens that are being watered by the boreholes to improve people’s lives as part of a commitment to contribute to the country’s success.
In line with the current push to develop and modernise the country’s infrastructure, the 41-year-old signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Murehwa Rural District Council through which he supplies 10 000 litres of diesel for grading of roads.
Plans are also underway, he added, to establish a vocational training centre in Murehwa South Constituency, where youths will be free to engage in various economic activities such as making chairs, sofa seats, making beds and various other products for sale.
He is confident that his generation is confident and capable of helping the country achieve its aspirations.
Reflecting on Independence, he said: “Everyone must to be taught about the importance of Independence and the critical role played by our for-bearers in order to attain freedom.
Those who fought in the liberation struggle gave everything, including their lives.
Now in a free Zimbabwe we are just going about doing our business without fear of the racist colonisers.
It is now time for those that have made it in various spheres of life to give back to society as an honour to those who liberated the country.”
Forget Mureya
(Artisan and mechanical engineer)
Having been born on April 18, it is a good feeling. Whenever people celebrate this day, I feel like they are celebrating me as well. The day gives me the opportunity to introspect on the importance of being independent economically, culturally and politically.
May God bless Zimbabwe!
Ernest Chipiri (Farmer)
When I was a little boy, Independence Day was like any other day for me.
But as I grew older, I began to understand its deeper meaning.
The Land Reform Programme was rolled out during my teenage years and this is how I grew to appreciate the importance of this day.
As a farmer, Independence Day represents total freedom, which we achieved by taking back our land.
I appreciate that farms are now in the hands of the majority, and I support the call by President Mnangagwa to distribute land to more youths. This will ensure that they appreciate our Independence even more.
Bernadette Bara
(United Kingdom-based entrepreneur)
Having been born on April 18, I feel proud to share a birthday with Zimbabwe.
I pay tribute to the gallant sons and daughters of the soil who sacrificed their lives to liberate our country.
It is no secret that Zimbabwe’s war for liberation was one of the most brutal and protracted in Africa’s fight against colonialism.
Other African countries achieved their Independence at a much lesser cost than Zimbabwe.
So I do not take this day for granted and I feel extremely honoured to have been born on this special day.
Lorraine Chimbambo
(IT expert)
I think the best thing we can do as women is to appreciate the efforts that have been made to empower us since Independence.
Recently, there was a pronouncement to have a quota system for women in local councils, and that is very welcome.
This is in addition to the women’s quota that is already in Parliament.
Independence is a time for women to reflect on the opportunities that have been made available and how we can take advantage of them.
Eurginia Chitera
(Media studies student)
I am happy to share my birthday with Zimbabwe.
Whenever I celebrate my birthday, I am reminded that independence is the vehicle for development.
Without independence one cannot develop. Commemorating the day is important because it reminds us of where we once were and where we are going as a country.
Raphael Mudombe
I feel fortunate to have been born on this special day.
This gives me the energy and desire to work hard for my country.
I urge all those who love Zimbabwe to be forward-looking and unite to create the Zimbabwe we all want.
Our focus should be on creating a Zimbabwe that is the best place to be in the world.
Happy 41st birthday to Zimbabwe!
