adminSenior Reporter
ZIMBABWEANS must embrace the spirit that drove liberation war heroes to fight the enemy at the battlefront to overcome new-age economic challenges that are hindering locals to fully enjoy the fruits of a liberated country.
Interviewed politicians and residents said Heroes’ Day commemorations slated for Monday will be hollow if rampant corruption is left to bleed the economy.
They said selfish behaviour which breeds corruption and graft was not tolerated during the armed struggle for independence as comrades worked in unison to fight the oppressive Rhodesian regime.
Public officials that are abusing their offices for selfish gains, they said, must be punished heavily in similar fashion sell-outs were treated during the war of liberation.
Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Ambassador John Mvundura, said society was now diverting from the very principles that forced liberation war heroes to face the enemy.
“First, the Heroes Day commemorations are very important because we are remembering our fallen heroes. The battle to liberate the country was not a dinner party but a true sacrifice for no one knew if they would survive the fight,” said Ambassador Mvundura.
“The war was won because our comrades were united in fighting the enemy. That solidarity which ushered our independence must come back and help us deal with hardships we face today.
“It is that unity which must be instilled in the new generation because we were not selfish at the battlefront,” he said.
Ambassador Mvundura said Zimbabweans were now a selfish lot.
“This has resulted in corruption which is hurting our economy. You are bribing people along the way in order to get favours. Our heroes did not go to war so that this country will be riddled with corruption as it is at present.”
A war veteran, Cde Ignatius Chiimbe said: “We did not go to war for some individuals to abuse community resources and enrich themselves. We fought so that everyone will enjoy the fruits of a free country. Yes, economic sanctions are badly affecting the economy but some of the problems we are facing today as a country was caused by a few individuals that are stealing from us. We have public servants who are not interested in serving the community but are determined to loot at the slightest opportunity they get.
“Their actions are drawing us back as a country. If we are united, like what our comrades did on the battlefront, we will be able to overcome the effects of the illegal sanctions. But if we act unilaterally out of greed we will all suffer.”
Some said there is need by Government to intensify the anti corruption drive and weed out errand behaviour.
They said those occupying the low class in society were the hardest hit because they do not have the means to bribe their way to enrich themselves.
At the end of the day, they said, the marginalised will remain poor while those with resources will continue living comfortably.
“As a youth who is being badly affected by the harsh economic conditions prevailing in the country, I call on Government to take bold steps to bring in line those who are serving their own interests. I am well read and I know the history of this country. Our fallen heroes fought so that we have access to our country’s resources.
They fought that we share what the country has to offer but what is happening these days is that only a few are landing their hands on those resources. If we manage our resources well, like the diamonds and gold, there is no way we can fail to put food on our tables. Surely those who sacrificed their lives for the upliftment of the lives of the majority are bitter in their graves over rampant looting of what belongs to the people,” said Charity Chipika, a university graduate.
Online Reporter