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Freedom Mutanda
Post Correspondent
In the 1960s, the ‘winds of change’ blew throughout Africa as the decolonization process started to unfold in the continent which had been under colonial bondage for centuries.
African countries took it upon themselves to help fellow Africans to be freed from the shackles of colonialism.
At great risk of annihilating Mozambique’s economy, Cde Samora Machel supported the Zimbabwean people.
The same can be said of Cde Kenneth Kaunda who at one time hosted the two liberation movements from Zimbabwe as well as those from Angola, South Africa and South West Africa.
Cde Machel echoed Cde Nkrumah’s mantra that the independence of his country alone was not enough.
It had to be complemented with the independence of other countries.
While Zimbabwe got assistance from other African countries in its fight for independence, the country also helped in unfurling the banner of freedom in other countries, South Africa included.
Therefore, after independence, it was Zimbabwe’s turn to be a knight in shining armor.
Soon after attaining independence, the Zimbabwean Government found itself in an unenviable position of watching Mozambique burn.
Renamo bandits, who were a product of Ken Flower’s destabilisation programme, were wreaking havoc in the country that had attained independence in 1974.
Zimbabwe could not fold her arms as her sister country suffered from destabilisation.
In the early 1980s, Zimbabwe had to undertake petrol and diesel rationing after the pipeline linking Beira and Mutare was under constant attack from Mozambique National Resistance (MNR), with soldiers having to guard the Feruka pipeline.
That drained a considerable chunk of resources from the Fiscus, money that could have been used for other developmental projects.
Thus, Zimbabwean troops carried out tours of duty to Mozambique until a peace accord was hammered out in 1992 with the active participation of Zimbabwe.
Hence, the Rome Agreement culminated in peace returning to Mozambique. Since then, regular elections have been carried out.
Across the continent, when Nelson Mandela, the ANC leader who had been incarcerated for close to three decades at Robben Island, was freed, Zimbabwe welcomed him to the country and gave him a red carpet treatment.
As a country which was a member of both SADC and the Frontline States, Zimbabwe was on hand to lend her experience in the field of reconciliation.
Resultantly, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission went a long way in forging a sense of nationhood among the disparate groups.
And then upon the assassination of Chris Hani, matters nearly came to a head as South Africa was on the brink of civil war.
Zimbabwe played a major role in the run up to the elections and the subsequent announcement of results.
As for Namibia, the country entered into an MOU with Zimbabwe for the latter to train Namibian teachers, a partnership anchored on Pan Africanism.
At the end of the Second World War, the world became unipolar, leading to the Cold War. Africa became a theatre of the rivalry between the West and the East, led by the United States of America and Russia respectively.
Thus, the DRC implosion necessitated the swift intervention of Zimbabwean troops.
The country had to intervene because it was also helped by other African countries to become a sovereign country.
It was her turn to help a fellow SADC member to maintain her sovereignty.
When it comes to the international community, Zimbabwe has proved to be very reliable in the United Nations.
Her police officers and soldiers have seen duty in many parts of the world.
In 1991, our forces excelled in Somalia.
In all her dealings with conflict, Zimbabwe has maintained a non-aligned stance.
In 1986, the country hosted the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Harare.
That was followed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Summit in 1991.
Over and above that, the late former President, Cde Robert Mugabe and now President Emmerson Mnangagwa have held influential regional leadership positions.
That is clear indication that the country is part of the solution to regional integration and peace.
Because of that, President’s clarion call is chastening.
Indeed, Zimbabwe is open for business. We are friends to everyone and a foe to none.
As the nation celebrates its 43rd independence on Tuesday, it is crucial to remember that many people and nations were instrumental in the attainment of our Uhuru.
Consequently, the country must all do everything possible to help other countries that may need our help one way or the other.
That is how the entire world will realize genuine peace and development.
Regional integration and peace dovetails with development.
Long live the independence of Zimbabwe!
Online Reporter