2nd Republic on track to fulfil values, ethos of liberation struggle

Herald Reporter

Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe is on the right track in fulfilling the values and ethos of the liberation struggle that resulted in the attainment of independence in 1980 and whose 45th celebration will be held in Nembudziya, Gokwe, analysts have said.

This year’s commemorations will be held under the theme “Devolve, develop, together towards Vision 2030,” and will be held in Gokwe Midlands province in line with the Second Republic of leaving no place and no one behind.

Political analysts spoken to yesterday said this year’s commemoration marked a milestone as the Government consolidates the objectives of the liberation struggle of land ownership given that the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa has started giving title deeds to landholders.

Renowned political analyst, Mr Obert Gutu said this year’s independence was significant in that it marked almost five decades of post colonial rule.

“On 18 April 2025, Zimbabwe marks and commemorates its 45th independence anniversary from more than nine decades of racist colonial rule and subjugation. This is a very significant milestone in the history of our great nation in that we will be celebrating the achievements of almost five decades of post-colonial rule. The armed liberation struggle that ultimately ushered in our hard-won independence on 18 April 1980 was fundamentally anchored on the values and principles of majority and egalitarian governance, holistic land reform to redress the colonial land ownership imbalances, non-racialism, non-tribalism, equitable socio-economic development and respect for fundamental human rights,” said Mr Gutu.

“Largely, we are on course to fulfilling the values of the liberation struggle although we still have got to put more effort in clamping down on rampant corruption and ensuring equitable distribution of wealth and resources.”

He said the theme of the celebrations was a reflection of Government vision and direction.

“The theme of “Devolve, develop together towards Vision 2030” mirrors the Government’s trajectory of building an upper middle-income economy by the year 2030. This is indeed, a sacrosanct goal that should galvanise all our efforts as a nation towards eradicating poverty, creating a stable economy and investing in infrastructural development to ensure that all the country’s ten provinces are adequately and sustainably developed,” he said.

Another political analyst, Mr Tongai Dana said the commemorations were coming at a time when the Government had made significant strides in different areas that include education, health and agriculture among others.

“The commemorations provide an opportunity to honour our national heroes and evaluate how far we have progressed in realizing the ideals of the liberation struggle. The Government’s investment in mass education led to Zimbabwe achieving one of the highest literacy rates in Africa, a crucial step towards national development. The land reform program, despite its challenges, remains one of the most transformative policies in post-colonial Africa, as it sought to correct historical injustices in land ownership. The Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, has focused on economic stability, infrastructure development, and international re-engagement. The thrust towards industrialisation, food security through agricultural mechanization, and major infrastructure projects, such as the Beitbridge Border Post modernization and road rehabilitation programs, signal a commitment to national development,” he said.

Renowned analyst, Godwine Mureriwa weighed in, saying the celebrations will solidify national peace, unity as envisaged by Vision 2030.

“The 45th Independence commemorations should solidify national peace, unity the collective aspirations of Zimbabweans as envisioned by Vision 2030. The politics of hate, divisions and persecution should be shunned. Our globally cherished education and hard work ethic should spur economic growth in all sectors,” he said.

“This is the time to benefit from the fast emerging multi-polar world through adding value to our vast minerals through partnerships with local and international investors. The livelihoods should improve tremendously to vindicate efforts towards the 2030 Vision.”

President Mnangagwa has rolled out cross cutting development projects across the country, as he steers the country towards the attainment of Vision 2030, to become an upper middle class society.

To take national events to all parts of the country, President Mnangagwa introduced rotational Uhuru Day celebrations so that every Zimbabwean enjoys the festivities associated with the day, and in a true reflection of devolution of power to communities.