Zimbabwe and the beauty of democracy: Perspective of a ‘2k’

Amanda Mlevu, Sunday News Reporter

ZIMBABWEANS are a people that have an arrangement of working together peacefully even though at times they do not agree with each other.

Zimbabwe, as a country, has a complex history towards its final attainment of its independence in 1980, through a protracted liberation struggle. The country has had its fair share of challenges on the path to democracy.

However, amid the struggles, there has always been hope and progress that shed light on the inherent beauty of democracy. While for some, who experienced the liberation struggle and felt the bondage of colonial rule, the path to independence is quite clear will always be entrenched in their beings.

The so-called ‘born frees’ however, have to rely on text book accounts and narration of the country’s history from those that lived through it. The situation is however, worse for those that were born after the year 2000, popularly known as ama2k. The arrival of the ‘2k’ generation coincided with major political and economic transformations in Zimbabwe.

As this generation grows up, they are shaping the country’s perception and aspirations, actively participating in the democratic process. This is a generation that carries the hope of a brighter future.

Over the years, Zimbabwe has made notable strides in its political landscape. The 2018 elections were marked by peaceful voting and the emergence of various political parties representing diverse viewpoints.

This pluralism highlights the essence of democracy, providing citizens with choices and opportunities for dialogue, debate, and political engagement.

The just ended harmonised elections have once again buttressed the democratic space that exists in the country. Political parties were given the platform to partake in the elections and openly campaign in the country.

Further, the nation put their seal as being one of the masters of democracy; successfully holding peaceful, free and fair elections.

In the 23 August harmonised elections, President Mnangagwa won after attaining 52.6 percent of the votes, followed by the Citizens Coalition for Change’s Nelson Chamisa who garnered 44 percent.

Democracy allows individuals to exercise their right to free speech and express their opinions. Since the dawn of the new millennium, Zimbabwe has seen a notable increase in citizen engagement through various platforms, including social media, where Zimbabweans can voice their perspectives, concerns, and aspirations. This open discourse is integral to the democratic process and fosters an inclusive society.

Democracy encourages the empowerment and inclusion of all groups within society, acknowledging the importance of diversity and equality.

In Zimbabwe, there are ongoing efforts to address historical injustices, promote gender equality, and bridge socio-economic gaps. The inclusion of women, youth, and marginalised communities in decision-making processes serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to building a democratic nation for all.

As the ‘2k’ generation comes of age, education plays a pivotal role in nurturing democratic values. Zimbabwe has invested in providing quality education to its citizens, fostering critical thinking, civic awareness, and a deep understanding of democratic principles.

This emphasis on education equips young Zimbabweans with the tools to actively participate in shaping their country’s future and fostering democratic ideals. Since the turn of the century, some countries in the African continent have experienced harsh disagreements resulting in civil wars that last a lifetime.

However, for Zimbabwe it has been a different case, no one can deny the fact that there have been disagreements but at the end of the day citizens are given equal democratic opportunities to choose their own leaders.

From the late 1950s, Zimbabweans, started mobilising against the colonial regime to challenge systemic and systematic oppression. The efforts gained momentum in the 1960s, leading to fully-fledged confrontation which has become to be known as the war of liberation.

Thousands of sons and daughters of the soil who were fed up with being treated as second class citizens in their own land committed their lives to the struggle, with some succumbing to the struggle. The struggle was waged until 1979 when Britain, feeling the heat of aggrieved black Zimbabweans, agreed to engage nationalist leaders, this culminating in the Lancaster House negotiations and eventual cease fire agreement.

Independence, sovereignty and democracy were never delivered to Zimbabwe by Santa Claus, instead, these were attained through sweat, blood, tears, limbs and life of heroes and heroines, some of whom remain unaccounted for.

The March 1980 elections brought a landslide victory for the ruling Zanu-PF party. 2.7 million Africans making up 94 percent of the electorate voted. Church groups monitoring the elections reported that they had been free and fair. The outcome of the poll, announced on 4 March 1980, was a landslide victory for Zanu-PF, which won 57 seats more than enough to form a government on its own.

Since 1980, Zimbabwe has religiously conducted elections to choose local authority, national assembly representatives and the President of their choice.

In a democracy the government receives its power from the mandate that it is given by citizens through casting their votes. Zimbabwe has exercised electoral democracy. Since 1980, the country has religiously held elections which proved that the people have exercised their voice and chosen their leaders.

Participation by citizens is the key role of citizens in a democracy. It may include standing for election, voting in elections, the right to be informed about government activities, right to express views on proposed legislation and the right to attend political meetings.

While Zimbabwe’s journey towards democracy has had its share of challenges, there is undoubtedly a beauty in the progress made. The ‘2k’ generation, with its fresh perspectives and hopes for a prosperous Zimbabwe, has embraced the ideals of democracy and is actively working towards a more inclusive and transparent society.

By witnessing the evolution of political systems, engaging in open dialogue, and championing democratic values, this generation plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Zimbabwe.

As the nation continues to evolve, the beauty of democracy will undoubtedly remain central to its growth, prosperity, and unity. Indeed, we all pride in the philosophy; “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo!”