Zimbabwe @40, Independence Message from Independent Member of Parliament for Norton Constituency, Hon. Temba P. Mliswa (MP)

Greetings Fellow Zimbabweans.

Life begins at 40…..

Today Zimbabwe celebrates its Independence under a cloud of uncertainty. Uncertainty that has led us unable to mark the occasion in our traditional manner. 40 is a milestone year which should have seen companies pouring in money countrywide to celebrate.

Whilst such funding will not be used for celebrations, companies should activate that same spirit of giving and channel it towards COVID-19 precautionary, preventative and preparedness strategies, it was budgeted for after all and simply requires redirection.

Yes we have witnessed companies coming to the fore, but have all of the white monopoly capital concerns come to the party with contributions commensurate to their turnovers? Whilst national efforts are appreciated, what are these concerns like Innscor Africa, Delta etc doing in their communities nationwide? It is not the time to have the wool pulled over our eyes by receiving pittances, the fight against Coronavirus is real and requires real donations, not just in Harare, but countrywide if we are to overcome. Yes we can blame Government, but blame will not save us now.

As we mark 40 years of Independence, the health sector is finally receiving the face lift it so desperately requires. COVID-19 is not something that we would wish for but in its morbid way, the virus has seen what we look forward to being the beginning of better for the sector.

This Independence, let us be independent of COVID-19, we are warriors. We won the struggle as Zimbabweans, now there is no looking back. We can win this war against the virus by staying at home, washing our hands and social distancing. You, me, we are in this together, we can all play our parts by being responsible.

Let 40 mark the beginning where Zimbabwe overcomes its challenges, the beginning that sees us coming out the other side triumphantly.

One thing that will never die is hope, hope in the great nation of ours, Zimbabwe. I thank you.

Hon. Temba P. Mliswa (MP)
Norton
18th April 2020