Zimbabwe Praised for Empowering Indigenous People
Some of those that have benefited from the nation’s independence say they are grateful to the former liberation war fighters for freeing them from colonial rule.
HARARE — Some Zimbabweans say local people should commemorate the country’s independence from British rule as there are some who have immensely benefited from various state-sanctioned pragrams over the years. They claim that independence has transformed the lives of a lot of citizens, who have over the years embarked on different projects which have made them to be a force to reckon with in the world. Some of those that have benefited from the nation’s independence say they are grateful to the former liberation war fighters for freeing them from colonial rule that denied them many opportunities in all sectors of the economy. Former Zanu PF legislator, Bright Matonga says in 35 years the country has made huge achievements in many areas. He says if it were not for independence blacks would not be owning businesses. Stanley Moyo of the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union agrees with Matongo, saying the country now has many schools and universities something which colonial rulers did not want. Alson Darikai of the local youth empowerment group, Upfumi Kuvadiki says independence has provided many opportunities, which resulted in some people to start some remarkable projects. He cited Strive Masiyiwa’s telecommunications giant, Econet, as one of the examples. Economists agree that colonial government policies were racist and discriminated against the black majority. They say it was therefore necessary for the new government to integrate them into the main stream economy. Zimbabwe marked 35 years of independence at a time when the country is trying to rebuild the economy and re-engage with the international community after years of isolation for alleged human rights abuses and holding fraudulent elections among other reasons.