By Olivia Nyamakura- It is over two years since Mugabe was dethroned and almost a year since he departed this world. Many people still can not believe he is gone. Whatever his earlier achievements, Mugabe left Zimbabwe, now 40, in distress.
At 40, Zimbabwe reels in economic turmoil. There are no jobs for the youths coming from tertiary schools. Education has simply become an anathema. We used to think a good education is a ticket to a good job and life but to the contrary it is not. Many graduates are finding comfort in the informal sector.
Many surbubs are without running water. Boreholes have become a commonplace. People are experiencing power outages for more than 18 hrs a day.For power, people have now resorted to gas (which many cannot afford) and firewood. One can only dream of street lights.
Hospitals are understaffed, ill-equipped with doctors and nurses doing work half heartedly because of low incomes and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE).
We see political rivalries between the major parties Zanu PF and MDC Alliance reaching crescendo peaks disregarding the welfare of citizens. This won’t restore goodwill in the country but rather cause more harm than good.
This Golden Jubilee, Zimbabweans should unite and find common ground. At least that resonates with the founding ethos of our fallen heros. Unity, respect, love and hard work
The region has witnessed an influx of millions of Zimbabweans migrating because of an unhinged economy. Globally, Zimbabweans are popular for diligence and hard work. My heart always cry for the skills and expertise that is scattered around the world.
The brain drain to greener pastures has left Zimbabwe dry and desperate for an injection of new blood in leadership positions. If fortunes continue on the negative what will become of Zimbabwe in the next 40 years. My prayer is for a Zimbabwe that is flourishing.
We have heard of sanctions. We have also heard of corruption. Prayer sessions, fastings have been done for Zimbabwe but nothing seems to be moving. Only God can transform Zimbabwe. It’s only a matter of time, when the time is right, God will make it right.
Had it not been the world pandemic , covid-19, people should have gathered at different centres on Independence day, 18 April, celebrating our fallen heros. I grew up to such activities. Independence Day celebrations were big mass gatherings known for extravagant feasts. Beasts would be slaughtered and drinks would flow galore commemorating our fallen heroes. Nevertheless, our hearts and spirits salute them.
As Zimbabwe turns 40, we might as well pose to ponder the road we have travelled. Is it worth writing home about? Would fallen heroes be happy if ever they were to wake up from mass graves scattered in Mozambique and Zambia to see the Zimbabwe that is today?
The likes of Samora Machel, Leopold Takawira, Joshua Nkomo, Josiah Tongogara. The list of our fallen heroes is just endless.Hopefully I will still be alive in the next forty years, writing a different note about Zimbabwe.