The day that God made for us

TODAY, April 18, marks the 46th anniversary of Zimbabwe’s independence and freedom, a sacred gift granted to us by God in 1980 after decades of colonial subjugation by those “without knees from beyond many waters”. It is a legacy that every Zimbabwean must cherish and defend with unwavering courage and determination, safeguarding it for future generations until the return of Jesus Christ, who will take back to His Father in Heaven those who will have lived blameless lives here on earth.

What this moment demands is a sober recognition that those who undermine the value of the freedom for which many gallant sons and daughters paid the ultimate price must reflect deeply. Instead of acting as stooges of imperialist oppressors, such individuals are called upon to realign their thinking and walk the independence path alongside the country’s incumbent leadership, working collectively to build brave and sustainable futures for generations yet unborn.

At this juncture in our history, Zimbabwe is in urgent need of economic transformation. Achieving this transformation requires meaningful funding inflows from friendly nations abroad, as well as active participation by organisations and individuals at home who possess financial resources and technical skills. These must be channelled towards nurturing young Zimbabweans, equipping them to assume pivotal roles in driving national development and economic growth.

Equally troubling is the continued smuggling of illegal drugs and harmful substances into the country by unpatriotic local organisations and individuals working hand in glove with foreign suppliers. For such actors, sources of money matter more than the devastating impact these drugs have on lives and communities. These elements are nothing less than disciples of the devil and must be exposed so that the full force of the law can take its rightful course.

At the same time, Government remains committed to ensuring that the girl child enjoys equal opportunities with the boy child. Yet, in stark contrast to these efforts, many households — particularly in urban areas — are being torn apart as young girls, exposed to drugs, engage fearlessly in risky sexual behaviour. The consequences are severe, with many dropping out of school where they should be acquiring developmental skills for their own benefit and for the advancement of their motherland.

This unfortunate reality therefore necessitates the tightening of cross-border controls to bring an end to the smuggling of dangerous drugs, some of which are reportedly being ferried in from as far afield as East Africa. Equally concerning are allegations that some border control officers are complicit in these activities, receiving short shrift for their role in smuggling syndicates — an issue that must be confronted decisively.

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These challenges also underline the responsibility of parents to provide adequately for their children, thereby preventing resort to drugs as a source of consolation. Schools must become no-go zones for drugs, remaining sanctuaries where developmental skills are imparted to learners for the good of both the pupils themselves and the nation at large.

Lastly, but no less importantly, Zimbabweans in the diaspora are urged not to connive with individuals in their host countries in acts meant to soil and discredit their motherland for the sake of personal comfort. Such behaviour amounts to selling out one’s country and renders those involved workers of the devil in the flesh.

The final and enduring message to every Zimbabwean, both at home and abroad, remains clear and uncompromising: “home is home with our native Zimbabwean sanctity protected at all costs.”