Chronicle Editor
Nothando Zondo and Nobukhosi Ndlovu
Sunday News Reporters
WITH the country marking 44 years of self-governance, Zimbabwe will hold a remarkable, Uhuru celebration in Buhera, Manicaland Province in line with President Mnangagwa’s instructive announcement of devolving national events outside the capital, Harare.
The country got its Independence on 18 April 1980.
The celebrations represent a perfect platform to remind citizens of the country’s national goals, as well as acknowledge the sacrifices made by the sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who fought in the bitter armed struggle that brought a new dawn of freedom, equality and self-rule.
The celebrations will run under the theme, Zim@44: Unity, peace and development towards Vision 2030.
Sunday News took to the streets of Bulawayo to hear people’s views on independence and how it has transformed their lives.
Stanley Gwebu (72)
“Independence brought about access to education which has brought Zimbabwe among the most literate nations in Africa, with a highly educated human capital. Before independence, there were a few schools and a majority of them were for the whites.
“That changed after independence as we saw the construction of many schools which were now accessible to everyone. Even today more schools are still being constructed. There has been a technological revolution and advanced ways of learning are being brought about giving an advantage to everyone as we are now moving with the times.”
Alicia Ncube (33)
“Independence for me as a woman came with a lot of advantages and opportunities. Before independence, women were not allowed to work, drive cars, or even be leaders. A woman was confined to the home and little else. Post-independence, women are seen occupying political and social spaces, standing up for themselves, and breaking barriers. Even though gender equality is still lacking in some places it is not as bad as things were before independence. The gospel of equal opportunities is being preached and it is up to women to take up the challenge.”
Edith Dube (51)
“I like that women are now protected by the laws of the State, unlike back in the day when women would be abused with people getting away with it. Now the laws of the country are fair because we can report any injustice. For example, in the event of the death of a husband, a woman would lose their property to the man’s relatives. The widow would be left stranded with no means of providing for her children. Now in the event of such, the woman can take legal action against the man’s relatives and repossess her property.”
Mphathisi Ndlovu (42)
“In rural areas, they gave us land to farm, unlike in the colonial times when we had nothing. The land is now accessible to all. Independence brought resettlements which enabled every citizen to farm, rear cattle and even do mining. Most people got land and are now able to grow maize and tobacco on their farms and earn a living. The Government made this possible and it was all because we had gained independence and got access to our land.”
Prayer Chipfumbu (72)
“Colonial life was tough, it was an oppressive system to the black people. The colonialists wouldn’t allow us to walk on some pavements in the city centre. We weren’t allowed to drink clear beer, instead, we drank the traditional brew, amasese. We were made to live in reserves where the land was rocky. So we fought and took our land back. Now we are free, we are no longer like orphans in this land. So for me, independence was a big win.”
Tinashe Gumbo (26)
“Living in an independent country like Zimbabwe means we can participate across the economic sectors without discrimination, which our forefathers suffered. We can now get loans from the banks, of which some of them are specifically for the youth and women. Loans were only offered to whites before independence. Independence brought freedom and confidence to us to do things the Zimbabwean way.”
Pride Kazingizi (40)
“There were several developments in the health sector after independence. A number of hospitals and clinics were built right across the country even in the most remote areas and this has caused a decline in the mortality rate. As a health c are personnel, I am impressed with the decline in infant mortality and the accessibility of immunisation programmes for children. Independence was indeed a blessing as people now have access to health.”
Queen Masoka (30)
“I feel that independence has brought fair opportunities to the girl child. It eliminated forced early marriages where girls’ rights were not valued. They were forced into marriages some of which were polygamous while others were given out to old men who were able to pay a lot of cattle to the parents.
“Girls were not allowed to go to school. So independence liberated Africans from a backward mentality that suppressed girls and women and brought equality.”
Online Reporter