ZIMBABWE AT 38: It’s a different kind of independence but there is a question

Zimbabwe turned 38 on 18 April 2018 and for the first time since independence from colonial rule, we will not hear the voice of Robert Gabriel Mugabe.

Other stories of the struggle will permeate, new voices will be heard and the story will expand giving us more insight into what for long seemed to be the preserve on of one focal point in the narrative of the country.

In a way, this does feel slightly symptomatic of the tolerance of the current administration of other voices other than its own influencing the story of Zimbabwe as it is with open discussion over issues that were the preserve of social media enthusiasts or those who were classified as activists.

Since the removable of Mugabe in November, the euphoria has been replaced by a few uncomfortable forays into where Zimbabwe must go. Having harped on for the longest about how Zimbabwe could do without certain members of the international community, some of whom vigorously campaigned against the sitting government and in hamstringing it also affected many millions of lives, wiping out dreams, suddenly, the cheek is being turned.

The protections that were there for locals are being stripped down, concessions are being made for foreign businesses to invest in Zimbabwe and not so much for the ones that have laboured over the last 20 years being told to defend the flag from imperialism.

You see, it is very simple. The question that needs to be asked and answered is after the last in particular 16 years under sanctions, the majority of which a local Zimbabwean could not pay for a subscription service outside the country online given the regime against us, what do we get now? After being told we were the builders, the owners, singing rambai makashinga now we are told, well, let’s forget about that and hug the nearest tree. After holding on, having been told to be strong, what do we have to show for it?

And as for the much preached economic independence, is that still on or are we too hungry now define the terms and conditions of those who clothe themselves as unshackling us from poverty.

It is different. At some point we were told we were the owners. And deals upon mega deals being signed, with little knowledge of the terms and conditions, how can we make the same claim when we do not know what it all means?

Questions will be asked, from the main parties, whichever one wins this year, that after Mugabe left, what did you offer the masses to get elected other than that big business was going to get rid of small business?

Because when those big investors come in with their big pockets, the smaller ones will be swallowed up. And what will we own then?