By Justice Tawedzegwa Mfiri

18 April 2024; A day that marks the 44th Anniversary of the Independence of Zimbabwe, having reclaimed the country from colonial rule in 1980. The country has since made significant strides in developing the economy, uniting the people, and administering majority rule of the black people. Numerous hurdles have been thrown in the path of progress, as the Global North has sought other means to cripple the country which not only defeated a modern white army in guerilla warfare, but reclaimed its land and repossessed it to the black majority.

Zimbabwe has suffered more than 2 decades of illegally imposed sanctions by the Britons, Americans and other Western administrations. Though some sanctions were recently lifted, Zimbabwe’s leaders have been listed on sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Program, and this is an indication of the continued desire by oppressors to control The Great House Of Stones, Zimbabwe.

On the occasion of its 44th Anniversary Independence Celebrations, here is a 5 Pointer Plan to sustain the liberation legacy of Zimbabwe.

1. Give the Elders a Chance To Speak And Tell their Story.

As aforementioned, Zimbabwe gained Independence through a liberation struggle. The Elders who participated in this struggle should be given platforms to narrate their experiences, the torture they experienced under colonialism, and the resistance they gave to the system, until a free Zimbabwe was delivered. Telling our story, reaffirms our commitment to sustain the Independence which we enjoy.

2. Give The Youth A Platform To Listen And Document The Elders’ Story.

The youth are keen to hear the history of this resilient nation. But the story can no longer be presented in the traditional formats which the youths don’t relate with. Tastes have since changed. And it’s high time we phantom new ways of presenting our heritage to appeal to the younger generation. This includes documenting the stories in film, cartoons, and other such modern formats that the youth relate with.

The success of suvh initiatives feeds into an intergenerational dialogue that’s important to plug knowledge gaps and sustain the independence of Great Zimbabwe.

3. Let’s Be Responsible Citizens. 

44 years after we took our country back from the colonial hooligans, we cannot be crying for handouts from government. We should be creating jobs amongst ourselves and raising the flag higher. Patriotism is key in nation building, and such initiatives as the reintroduction of Youth Service In Zimbabwe is an important cog in imbibing patriotism among the youth, the future of the country. Zimbabwe recently introduced a new gold backed currency, and the world is in awe. The conscious Zimbabwean mind should be thinking business. We should see more conglomerates as black businesses come together to create economic forces that’ll uplift the standards of people in the country. This model should be replicated across the Continent.

4. Stamp Sovereignty. 

Don’t let foreign influence dictate what our country should be or can be. We move by our means. We are the builders of Great Zimbabwe, We will build our Great Zimbabwe By Ourselves. 44 years of Independence, we shall not beg for aid from the so called 1st world. We shall find home grown solutions to our problems and make Zimbabwe the desired country for everyone. Nobody should bring terms and conditions to dictate how we choose to deal with modernisation, fashion, economy, politics and even our beliefs. We are a sovereign people, and it is marked in red on the national flag.

5. Think Broadly. Integrate.

Speed up work and expedite regional integration efforts towards a United Africa. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in place, every nation state must take into account, the broader implications of the policies it makes domestically. Zimbabwe has made significant strides in modernising infrastructure and improving the road networks to facilitate seamless trade in the region. Of particular note is the Beitbridge Chirundu highway also known as the North South Corridor, which is projected by the African Union to be the busiest road trunks by 2040. Integration is key, not only for Zimbabwe but for the Continent. This is for the collective benefit of all people of melanin, not only resident on the Continent, but across the world.

Justice Tawedzegwa Mfiri is the Co-Founder and Secretary, Zimbabwe Institute of African Integration. He writes in his personal capacity.