adminLOOKING at the sacrifices that President Mugabe has made, initially for the then transformation which he spearheaded from the liberated nation’s day of independence, thus far all point to a selfless leader who has dedicated his entire life to the service of his people. The erstwhile coloniser, the British, through Ian Douglas Smith, incarcerated the veteran nationalist for more than a decade, his crime being his quest for a just and fair society, where all despite their race or creed survived as equals.
In the eyes of the racist, President Mugabe was a terrorist whose threat to the white hegemony in the then Rhodesia was an assault on their collective being as a people of the so-called non-colour.
President Mugabe was not only subjected to the harsh and deplorable conditions of the Rhodesian jails, but survived the roaming wild animals in the jungle separating Zimbabwe and Mozambique during his long journey to Maputo where he gallantly led the prosecution of the ultimate liberation war which resulted in the birth of a new Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is a product of immense sacrifice which saw the shedding of the precious blood of the daughters and sons of the soil. Some lost their limbs and remain permanently impaired to this date. The journey to Zimbabwe’s liberation was never a stroll in the park but rather an arduous task which only the dedicated and brave undertook. The nation can only salute these heroic figures for their daring acts which ushered in a new era.
Imagine, a seemingly innocent parcel arriving at your offices meant for you. Your assistant as usual decides to open the supposedly gift meant for his/her boss. In an instant, it explodes ripping him/her into pieces. Such horrific scenes which only the barbaric and insane can perpetrate were the order of the day for nationalists led by the fearless President Mugabe; as the diabolic Rhodesians trailed them every single day, hoping for a momentary lapse of vigilance on the nationalists’ part. The Ian Smith-led Rhodesia Front, a cabal of murders whose disdain for the black majority knew no boundaries, were sworn enemies of the then illusive majority rule. President Mugabe survived all these trials and tribulations, all in a bid to liberate the motherland, Zimbabwe from the cruel yoke of the oppressor.
The vilification which accompanied the just and rational novel concept of revolutionising the land ownership in Zimbabwe, the savage and brutal attacks were all aimed at the person and character of President Mugabe. Given his impeccable character, the detractors’ assault speedily lost their venom. President Mugabe stood firm in resolute defence to the interests of the black majority who were in dire need of their land, the principal reason for waging the war of liberation.
The land reform has been a tremendous success as 300 000 plus families have found solace in their much-desired farming exploits. The land reform programme has revolutionised the entire economic sphere of the nation, with a recognisable black middle class emerging, in the process creating a robust foundation for an economic boom.
The farming sector, once a stronghold of the minority white, is now a rejuvenated and revitalised sector empowering the black majority, a virtue which is only anathema to the nation’s detractors. This phenomenal success is a product of the iconic President Mugabe’s vision.
Zimbabwe is the number one literate nation in Africa. Its leader, President Mugabe, holds lofty academic credentials which no other leader of a nation has ever had. This is history which has already been made. With such an illustrious history, the time is ripe for the nation to celebrate the inspiring life of their living legend who turns 91 tomorrow (Saturday).
The youths, the prime target of the 21st February Movement, have a role model from whom they should emulate in President Mugabe. It is only befitting that Zimbabweans in their multitudes should descend on the resort town of Victoria Falls to celebrate and savour the fine footprints which the country’s legendary leaders has traversed.
It is incumbent upon the youths and the generality of Zimbabwe to continue to uphold the firm principles which President Mugabe represents. These cardinal virtues will in the long term trigger economic prosperity which is a reality in our lifetime. Happy Birthday Gushungo!
Online Reporter