admin
ZIMBABWE’s freedom did not come on a silver platter but at a cost, which resulted in tens of thousands of brave men and women sacrificing their lives to free the nation.
The old adage “united we stand, divided we fall” captures how the nation has managed to conquer in many battle fronts. The journey that Zimbabwe has traversed from the shackles of colonialism to the post independence era speak volumes.
Victory in the Second Chimurenga was not achieved by individualism and separatism. Rather, it was achieved through unity of purpose that wiped all tribal lines, bringing Zimbabweans from every part of the country to fight a common enemy.
Although there was a phase in which this unity was threatened after independence, the situation was duly rectified by the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987. The pact signified a new era that set the country on a progressive path.
Of course, detractors are against this phenomenon. The rogue elements are always trying to be divisive but the spirit of togetherness in this country has kept the negative influence at bay.
I believe that literature has a significant role to play in the maintenance of peace and unity. Over the years, a number of individuals who took part in the liberation struggle have chronicled how the country attained its freedom. Cephas Msipa recently launched his book “In Pursuit of Freedom and Justice”, which is a memoir that takes us through his childhood, his political career, life in detention and role in the birth of Zimbabwe.
Naturally, I’m a huge fan of literature that chronicles the story of our journey as Zimbabweans, especially if told from personal experiences and when I laid my hands on this particular copy, I was very excited and eager to go through it.
This book exhibits the injustices that sons and daughters of the soil had to endure under colonial rule. It also highlights the strategies and measures that had to be taken to bring back justice and freedom to Black people. Despite it being an autobiography, Msipa managed to vividly capture his surroundings, the political atmosphere and the various characters that played a role in the liberation of Zimbabwe.
He shed light roots of several movements that were formed on the basis of fighting for the emancipation of the black man, from trade unions to political parties like the African National Congress (ANC) and the National Democratic Party (NDP).
Furthermore, he shared his insights on political bans and detention of activists as well as formations and divisions of the political parties that eventually led people to the ‘Promised Land’.
Some of the prominent political figures who are featured along with the roles they played include President Mugabe, the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo, Herbert Chitepo, Edgar Tekere, Leopold Takawira and Josiah Chinamano just to mention but a few. Msipa aptly captured some of the events that transpired before, during and after independence in great detail. The copy adds vibe in the lives of liberation struggle literature enthusiasts.
This book gives a detailed account of the country’s historical journey. However, there are some elements within this text that unnecessarily tread along tribal lines.
As I was reading, I felt like there were instances in which the writer was a bit reckless while reflecting on the insurgences, containments and tensions that characterised the early 80s before the signing of the Unity Accord.
I believe the literary community should be wary of propagating tribal divisions. They (tribal divisions) are counter-productive and will not help push various national socio-economic development agendas.
Also, I am strongly of the view that the otherwise good autobiography was tainted by the chapters in which the writer’s tone was carelessly treading on ethnic boundaries.
However, I hope that more iconic figures of the struggle will keep on adding their voices to the literary sphere, telling their stories. The hope is that they don’t use emotions in the process. History should always be told as accurate as possible.
Online Reporter