BULAWAYO – Some residents in the country’s second largest city say they find Independence Day celebrations a waste of time under grinding poverty and political differences sponsored by their leaders.
Zimbabwe on Tuesday marked 43 years of black rule under the mantra, “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo”.
Provincial celebrations in Bulawayo were held at the iconic White City Stadium.
However, speaking in separate interviews, some residents felt the day has long lost its meaning as the country’s black rulers have done little to fulfil the objectives of the liberation struggle.
Jesphias Hadebe said citizens sacrificed their lives fighting to get rid of repressive laws under their erstwhile white rulers and bring about equality to all.
“We kept the repressive laws and used them against our people,” he said.
“We are more divided as a country than we were before independence.
“Our natural resources are still enjoyed by a few people.”
Similarly, Silibaziso Moyo said Zimbabweans fought for the right for free expression but that right was taken away from them by their black leaders.
Thabani Khumalo, a vegetable vendor in one of the city’s suburbs, said he did not find value in abandoning his vending stall to join celebrations at White City.
“If l were to leave my stall, where will l get money to fend for my family? Each day now counts and with this tough economy, one has to work extra hard to make ends meet,” Khumalo said after briefly reminiscing about the good old past.
Sibusisiwe Mlambo chose to remain positive minded saying that the country still needs to celebrate whatever small achievements it has made as opposed to seeing the negative.
“It goes without saying that our country has its challenges,” she said.
“However, it is also true that under black rule, we have managed to achieve some things such as ensuring that all children get access to education.”
