Cherishing gains of Uhuru

 

Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter

ONE of the most famous quotes by the late Indian poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, states that, “We gain freedom when we have paid the full price”.

While the statement is short and simple, it is so profound and pregnant with meaning.

 

Indeed, going by these words, Zimbabwe had to pay the full and ultimate price to gain freedom from the minority British colonial rule on April 18, 1980.

The gallant sons and daughters of the soil made selfless sacrifices and took up arms to wage the liberation war against the settler regime which culminated in our emancipation.

Over the years, Zimbabwe has continuously consolidated the gains of this Independence, with the Second Republic moving towards achieving a prosperous and empowered middle income economy by 2030.

Hence there was every reason to celebrate on Monday as the country commemorated 42 years of Uhuru.

Thousands of people from all walks of life in Manicaland converged at various centres in other districts across the province to mark the momentous occasion, which was this year held under the theme “Leaving no one and no place behind”.

 

Sakubva Stadium hosted the province’s main event where Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere, read the President’s speech.

She also inspected the parade comprising members of the security services.

Her arrival was preceded by Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister, Cde Mike Madiro and other Government officials who included Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs, Mr Edgars Seenza, among others, as well as service chiefs.

War veterans, war collaborators, local traditional leaders, members of the ruling ZANU PF party, Senator Judith Mawire; Mutare City Council acting Town Clerk, Mr Blessing Chafesuka; councillors and council officials also attended the event at Sakubva.

The occasion was also graced by the Governor of Manica Province in neighbouring Mozambique — Madame Francisca Domingos Tomas —who was accompanied by a delegation from that country’s ruling party, Frelimo.

Madame Tomas said her delegation was delighted to join Zimbabwe in celebrating Uhuru as the two countries share a common history.

“We are delighted to be here for this occasion as our people have a lot in common from the days of the liberation struggle up to today as our languages, tradition and culture interlock. Independence is very important because it brings about a country’s sovereignty and I implore our two nations to continue working together in unity for development and not to be deterred by challenges.

“Our countries can now tap into the vast natural resources they possess to spur social transformation, economic growth and development and these are the fruits of our hard won Independence. Upholding patriotism and continuing to work hard is one sure way of consolidating the gains of our emancipation,” said Madame Tomas.

 

A cheerful and colourful crowd —from the young to the old, men and women — filled the venue in Mutare to capacity as they came together to celebrate a landmark event in the country’s history.

People started trickling into the stadium in the morning and the crowd swelled as the proceedings continued into the day.

On the terraces, the cheering crowd warmed up to the event by dancing to the music of Mutare-based award-winning gospel musician, Dorcas Moyo, who dished out some of the hits from her calabash.

Some people joined her band as they momentarily turned the stadium turf into a dance floor.

The multitudes also merrily responded to the well-choreographed drills by the uniformed forces, with the army mascot — a perky goat — proving popular.

 

The melodious tunes by the brassband also entertained the responsive crowd that erupted into wild ululations in appreciation.

Several other activities, especially for children, were also lined up for the day.

A football match pitting cross-town rivals – Mutare City Rovers and Buffaloes – was played in the afternoon and it ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

 

As a euphoric atmosphere enveloped the venue, the free-spirited gathering epitomised everything Uhuru stands for – unfettered freedom in our motherland.

This year’s commemorations were greeted with glee by the thousands in attendance as they were returning for the first time in two years following the Covid-19 enforced suspension of all public gatherings after the pandemic’s outbreak in 2019.

A war collaborator, Cde Revai Matongera, said during Independence celebrations, it is imperative for everyone to reflect on the journey the country has travelled since colonialism to the present day.

“There are some among the freedom fighters who did not make it back home after waging the liberation war. This supreme sacrifice is the ultimate price one can ever pay and is the highest point of patriotism. There is a lot we are enjoying today like free movement, the opening up of previously constricted political space and the right to vote that came about as a result of emancipation and we treasure all that,” said Cde Matongera as she drifted into the past.

She added that she has attended every Independence Day event since 1981.

Sakubva-bred, Mr Masimba Jordan Murinda, who is now based in Namibia, said he has taken heed of President Mnangagwa’s call for Zimbabweans who are based outside the country to be patriotic and contribute towards building the nation.

“There is no place like home and nothing as precious as freedom. I am back home from Namibia for the Easter holidays and was keen to make time for these celebrations with my family. The President’s message to Zimbabweans based outside the country melted my heart.

“I have plans to double the amount of investments I am carrying out in my home province of Manicaland in the farming and mining sectors. This shows that we are eager to play our role in enhancing food security and spur economic growth as envisaged by Vision 2030,” said the youthful entrepreneur.

He hailed Government for advancing national interests by establishing a conducive environment that has created business avenues for locals, especially young people. He said this has enabled the youths to utilise available opportunities by leveraging on local resources.

For Mr Onward Mwarozva, Uhuru gave Zimbabwe a unique identity.

“The national flag represents everything Zimbabwe is all about. This is our identity as a people and we must uphold love, peace, unity and harmony as these foster development,” he said, adding: “The theme for our 42nd Independence celebrations mirror the development trajectory the country is taking as no one and no place is being left behind with enhanced healthcare, education, Information and Communications Technology as well as infrastructural development.

“Brick by brick and stone upon stone, we are surely getting there, anchoring our development on the fruits of our Independence,” he said.

In Makoni District, the Independence celebrations were held at Vengere Stadium in Rusape.

The District Development Coordinator, Mr Edwin Mashindi delivered the President’s speech, while the crowd was entertained by Sanzaguru High School Traditional Dance Group. The group performed the zhana dance.

Mass displays also came from Sanzaguru Primary School.

Sabi Valley Primary School hosted the commemorations in Ward Five of Chipinge District where a group of young adults and children went down memory lane by simulating the return of the liberation war combatants from the war.