Moffat Mungazi
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
AS Zimbabwe stands on the threshold of its 45th Independence Anniversary this Friday, the nation reflects, not only on the blood-stained path to self-determination, but also on the enduring spirit of unity, resilience, and progress.
This year’s commemorations are held under the theme: “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030”, a call that echoes, not only in the corridors of power, but also through the valleys and mountains of our beloved Manicaland, which played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle.
Forty-five years is not just a number. In many cultures, 45 represents maturity, balance, and strength an age by which an individual or institution is expected to have solidified its foundations and begun the journey of legacy-building.
For Zimbabwe, 45 years of independence signify a nation that has endured trials, triumphed through transformation, and is now strategically poised for inclusive development.
Just like the number itself a fusion of four and five which in numerology are associated with stability and progress respectively, Zimbabwe must now balance its revolutionary past with the demands of the future.
It is a call for every citizen to rise from remembrance into action.
Since the hoisting of the Zimbabwean flag on April 18, 1980, and the lowering of the Union Jack, the nation has reclaimed its identity, heritage, and dignity.
Political freedom brought with it the restoration of land to the indigenous people, broader access to education, and health care systems.
Thousands of schools and clinics now dot the rural landscapes, and our literacy rate remains one of the highest in Africa, albeit there is still a lot more to be done.
In recent years, Zimbabwe has invested heavily in infrastructure, agriculture, and digital transformation core pillars in driving towards the Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income society.
It is this trajectory of transformation that the theme: “Devolve and Develop Together” seeks to strengthen.
For the people of Manicaland as they gather in Chimanimani for the provincial commemorations, this independence is more than a historical date, it is a living memory etched in the soil and soul of the region.
From the mountainous passes of Nyanga to the borderlines of Mutasa and Chipinge, Manicaland served as a key corridor for freedom fighters crossing to and from Mozambique.
It was here that the thunder of gunfire and the silent courage of villagers became the heartbeat of the revolution.
Families across the length and breadth of the province sheltered comrades, shared intelligence, and provided food at great personal risk. Even today, the echoes of those sacrifices shape the province’s identity.
The emphasis on “Devolve and Develop Together” is a powerful recognition that no province should be left behind.
Devolution means that regions like Manicaland must have the autonomy and resources to determine and drive their own development priorities be it in agriculture, mining, tourism, or infrastructure.
Mutare, with its strategic proximity to the Beira Corridor, should be a hub of trade and logistics.
Chimanimani and Nyanga should blossom as eco-tourism destinations, Chipinge, Honde Valley and Makoni as agricultural hubs.
Odzi, Penhalonga and Chiadzwa’s mineral wealth must benefit local communities, not just distant stakeholders.
The waters of Ruti, Marovanyati, Mpudzi, Muchekeranwa and Osborne should bring meaningful development to the people around these natural resources.
This is the promise of true devolution and development driven by those who live its impact daily.
To reach Vision 2030, Zimbabweans must now deepen the meaning of independence beyond flags and speeches.
It is time to translate political freedom into economic prosperity, social equity, and generational opportunity.
Independence must be seen in paved roads in Biriiri, functioning clinics in Honde Valley, technology hubs in Mutare, and thriving SMEs in Buhera.
As Zimbabwe celebrates 45 years of independence, every citizen must embrace the dual responsibility of remembering the cost of freedom and working towards a future that honours that sacrifice.
The theme calls on us to walk in unity, rural folk with the urban folk, young with old, government with citizen towards a common destiny.
This Friday, as the flags fly high and the drums of celebration beat across the nation, let Manicaland stand proud, not just as a cradle of the struggle, but as a vibrant participant in Zimbabwe’s rebirth.
Zim@45 is more than a celebration it is a commitment.
Let us devolve.
Let us develop.
Let us do it together.
Online Reporter