Reliving the euphoria of Uhuru

Emmanuel Kafe

It has been 41 years since Zimbabwe became independent. It brought to an end more than eight decades of racial segregation and inhumane exploitation by the white minority settler regime, and ushered in a new era of unfettered freedoms.

But it was a long journey to freedom.

It took a protracted 14-year armed struggle that was prosecuted by brave young men and women willing to lay down their lives for the motherland.

Witnessing the transition from Rhodesia to a new Zimbabwe on April 18, 1980 was undoubtedly a profound moment to those fortunate enough to live the experience.

The Sunday Mail sat down with some of those who bore witness to the epic historical moment.

The carnival that was the event was full of life and colour.

For Mbare residents, especially those staying close to Rufaro Stadium, where the Union Jack was lowered and Zimbabwean flag was hoisted, having the main celebrations next door was surreal.

For Robert Mukono, who was 20-years-old at the time and working for the city council, the experience remains etched in his memory.

Now 61, he vividly remembers every moment.

“It was a special day when people from across the country made a beeline for Rufaro Stadium to celebrate victory over oppressive forces,” he said.

“Independence celebrations didn’t start on April 18 as many may believe because people had practically camped at Rufaro Stadium for days to be part of the celebrations.

“No one wanted to miss out.”

Mukono has a small scar on his right hand that was sustained in the melee of trying to secure a seat inside the stadium. It always reminds his of the day.

“We could not afford to miss out because there were many local and international artistes performing that night,” he said.

“The mood was euphoric as the whole country was reverberating to the sounds of joy,” he said.

He said his wife, Abigail (now late), who was an informal trader at the time, made a killing.

“She sold all her snacks and cold drinks as people celebrated wildly.

“Come to think of it, they had started preparing way before the big event, but that was never enough because their stock was soon exhausted.

“Some shops even ran out of stock as they could not meet demand from the multitudes who were gathered at Rufaro.”

From the rich pickings, Mukono’s wife bought new household property and expanded her business after securing a corner shop in Mbare.

His uncle, Brian Matembedza (66), who was a bachelor staying in hostels adjacent Rufaro Stadium, is still nostalgic about the unforgettable events on Independence Day.

For him, musical performances, especially by Jamaican reggae artiste Bob Marley, proved to be the icing on the cake.

“We had to hold on to each other as musicians sang to the birth of a new Zimbabwe and everyone was very happy,” said Matembedza.

“International artistes like Bob Marley, Percy Sledge and our local stars John Chibadura, Zexie Manatsa, Thomas Mapfumo, Marshal Munhumumwe, Patrick Mukwamba, Oliver Mtukudzi and several others gave performances of their lives.

“The atmosphere was so electrifying and the mood was like no other I have ever witnessed,” he said.

For Mukono, the most important take away from the experience was the prospect of finally living in a free society that could afford everyone a fair shot at life.

“If there is something we need to take back from the past in order to move forward, it is the disciplined life; a life that is dedicated more to the development of our country,” he said.

For him, this year’s commemorations are particularly poignant as the Second Republic fills him with hope that better days are on the horizon.

“I think we all have a cause to rejoice because of the development that has taken shape since President Mnangagwa took office.

“His administration is a good example of progress through the numerous projects that they have launched in the short time they have been at the helm.”

Had it not been for the Covid-19 pandemic, Mukono said he would have been among the thousands who would have thronged the National Sports Stadium for the Independence celebrations.

Government has banned large gatherings as part of measures to contain the spread of the virus.

Notwithstanding the restrictions, the spirit of Uhuru lives on.