Andrew
Zimbabwe celebrates 41 years of Independence today. As part of our commemorating this historic milestone, our reporter VERONICA GWAZE spoke to various spiritual leaders, among them Catholic Jesuit priest Father Fidelis Mukonori (73), Bethesda Apostolic Church leader Archbishop Loveless Matarirano Manhango (91) and Salvation Army’s retired major Rissi Mushongera (97), on their thoughts about the future of Zimbabwe.
Below are excerpts from an interview with Father Mukonori.
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Q: Do you think there is hope for Zimbabwe given the challenges we have faced over the years?
A: It is sad how most people have taken this to be a rhetorical question in Zimbabwe. We need to look back and take stock of what we have and have not done well as a nation. As individuals, what have we done to create a better nation? Zimbabwe has educated people and that means a lot. There is hope, provided we work as a nation. The hope lies in pulling together in one direction, not others dragging in the opposite. Nation-building is neither an individual exercise nor does it benefit specific names.
This is why we always call upon those who advocated for sanctions to denounce them. Likewise, there is need for leaders to adhere to the dictates of the Constitution. This helps in building hope and confidence among citizens. Let us not be fake citizens. We have Zimbabweans that are prepared to sell out to foreigners for a few pennies and that destroys all hope in nation-building. It is bad if we have people who do not realise that you cannot feed your stomach and starve the next person. We all have a duty to be each other’s keeper. That is what the Constitution and Hunhu/Ubuntu encourages us to do. Every citizen must defend the nation, not for personal but for national gain. The church should also be there to pray and wish the nation well. If we are to succeed, we do so as a community, failure to do so means we all perish. Since 1980, the nation has evolved and in all aspects, a lot of rights granted to Zimbabweans. It is for us as a nation to grab opportunities created and act as patriotic citizens.
Q: Are there any signs that the nation is moving in a positive path?
A: This is a delicate topic. But remember some years back, Zimbabwe reached the lowest point economically as a result of sanctions. Judging from where we are currently, the results are there for everyone to see. The economy is progressively shaping up. Government is making efforts in addressing macro-economic imbalances, re-engaging with the international community, national reconciliation programmes are in place and a raft of other reformations should all be signs that indeed we are in the right direction. Further, when as a nation you realise and consider church to be key in developmental issues, spare time to pray, then definitely that is a right direction.
Q: So, the Second Republic has transformed the nation?
A: The coming in of the New Dispensation saw hope renewed. However, even in the Bible, it is written how the devil does not want to see anything good. This is the reason why we still have some antagonist forces. There are so many things that we have done well, but challenges will always emerge. This is why it is imperative that each person ask themselves what they are doing to fight these challenges. Everyone has a positive role to play in society.
Q: How has our social fabric changed over the years?
A: A lot has happened in all aspects since Independence. The majority of us are proud, acknowledge and are happy to be called Zimbabweans despite the various challenges that the country has gone through over the years. In most parts of the world, we have made a mark as Zimbabweans. We have a crop of well-spirited generations. Above all, we must allow ourselves to agree to disagree for the sake of national progress. However, it is crucial to note that our social fabric has been highly eroded over generations. A split nation is hard to overlook. The bonds we shared back then, the cultural and social solidity are all long gone. Some Zimbabweans are even shy to call themselves Zimbabweans and that is treacherous. How do you explain someone who calls for sanctions against their own nation? That is unpatriotic and a clear lack of conscience.
Q: Who determines the direction a country needs to take?
A: As I highlighted earlier, a country is not for self-benefit. As Zimbabweans, we know what we want of our nation. Thus, it is not an individual’s role to determine direction but that of the nation as a whole. Remember, the nation is made up of different people and entities but we all have a common goal, which is to see a better Zimbabwe. The good thing is Government is committed and what we need to do as a nation is to pull the load together as one. Everyone should have a deep voice of reason that tells you when you go wrong.
Q: Can you comment on the drug abuse crisis that is affecting youths mostly?
A: It seems the issue of drug abuse has become fashionable among young people nowadays despite its negative effects on them. There is need for collective action in dealing with this crisis. Drug abuse has gone out of hand and every member of society should assist the police and affected parents in dealing with this ill. Drug abuse is killing our future generations, as it is creating a morally dead society.
Online Reporter