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Ranson Madzamba
Zimbabwe attained its independence on 18 April 1980. Tomorrow, 18 April, Zimbabwe celebrates 43 years of independence. A number of people participated in the liberation struggle. They were fed up with Ian Smith’s autocratic and undemocratic Government that looked down upon the black majority.
The blacks wanted a nation where all individuals are treated as equals and as human beings. So brutal was the Rhodesian Government to the black majority. The black majority came together for a cause. They were united in all forms, be it spiritually, socially, morally and physically to just say enough is enough, Ian smith and his Government must pave way for a black majority Government.
They wanted to be the masters of their destiny. Well, they wanted to be in control of their nation and everything in it, including minerals and the fertile lands. All they wanted was a great state where liberty, fraternity and equality exist. The majority of Zimbabweans participated in the liberation struggle at various levels. The mujibhas and chibwidos played their part. The black business individuals played their part as well.
Even those who got the opportunity to be in the diaspora played their part also. The musicians and various artists also played their part. The journalists, the scribes as some might want to call them, also played a pivotal role in the fight against the imperialist Government. Willie Dzawanda Musarurwa is one of the well-known influential journalists during and after the liberation struggle. He played a great role in the liberation of Zimbabwe. He is the man who actually recruited many well-known politicians. He became the first black editor of the Sunday Mail weekly newspaper. Going through the journalistic works of Willie Musarurwa, one will fully give in to the notion that, indeed the pen is in most cases, mightier than the gun.
So, the independence was brought about by a combination of forces coming together from the disgruntled majority. Such is the power of unity. No wonder why it is ever said, ‘United we stand, divided we fall!’ Without the masses, the black majority, the freedom fighters were actually not going to be victorious in the fight for an independent Zimbabwe.
The relationship of the politician and the masses is actually that of the fish and water. The fish cannot survive outside the water. Without the support of the masses or the majority, the politician is actually useless. That is what democracy is all about. Anything for the people without the people is indeed not for the people. Everyone matters in any political discourse. “Musangano zvedi unotangiraka kumaSero.”
Now that we are in an independent Zimbabwe, let us do everything for the good of everybody. This is not the time for othering. It is a time for us to continue moving as a united force, doing away with such elements like corruption, regionalism, nepotism and tribalism. Let us make sure all we are doing has a positive advantage for the majority of our people and our great country at large.
We are a people together. Let no one come with his or her silver to divide us. Let us listen to each other and in every aspect, where we tend to differ, let us sit down and find ways on how we can reach a compromise for the competitive advantage of the majority and our great country.
No one will ever come from outside and develop our country. Zimbabwe will remain for Zimbabweans. Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo. Yes, we are living in a global village where people are now sharing everything socially and economically, but still Zimbabwe must remain for Zimbabweans. Let us all safeguard our hard-won independence.
There is that which defines us as Zimbabweans. We have our own way of surviving. Our culture and beliefs shape and mould us as a unique society.
Long live our united Zimbabwe!
United we stand, divided we fall!
l Ranson Madzamba is a Communication and Advocacy PhD student. He is a holder of a Master of Science Degree in Media and Society as well as a Media and Society BSc Hons Degree.
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