4 reasons why Zimbabwe is holding its 43rd independence celebration in Mt Darwin

Delivering commemorations of this momentous day back to them is the least we can do to pay tribute and to express our undying gratitude to these communities for the enormous sacrifices they made.

By hosting this National Day, these communities assert their contribution and ownership of the very Independence which this day symbolises.

Our third reason for choosing Mt Darwin as host to these national commemorations is so we take stock of what we have done for those communities which gave so much to the struggle. Above all, we use these commemorations to remind ourselves of what else remains outstanding, and, thus, owed to such communities. Both historically and geographically, Mashonaland Central falls within areas that were deliberately neglected and marginalised by successive colonial governments.

Its militant role in the Liberation Struggle further deepened this neglect, which national Independence must now repair and change to irrevocable progress.

The Second Republic has made a vow to leave no one and no place behind on development.

By converging in Mt Darwin and other outlying rural districts, the national leadership is in a position to take stock of what remains undone, which translates to and means what still needs to be done. We look at all facets of development: water, communications, agriculture, mining, tourism and, above all, possibilities of rural industrialisation, which we envisage as the next development revolution.

Our fourth reason is to demonstrate that Independence is for all communities, regardless of place and class. Zimbabwe emerged from a people’s war; all our people played a part. What yesterday was a collective responsibility, burden and sacrifice must today turn into a collective opportunity, celebration and festivity.

No person, no class, no creed, no community and no place must be made to feel like it does not belong, or deserves less. All of us must sit comfortably under one flag, equally sheltered by this one Zimbabwean flag which bears our colour, our sacrifices, our shared heritage and expresses our lofty ambitions.

As it flutters and sways boundless in the Zimbabwean breeze, so must our spirits leap and celebrate, all in unison. Zimbabwe belongs to us all; Independence means unity, peace and development for all times and in all places. Peace as we prepare for elections, go to vote, and peace well after. Peace built by us, for all times, and to all citizens.

I personally look forward to this day at Mount Fura, in a province and among people who have stood firm and unwavering by their Party of Liberation, and by their Government of Development. Long Live Mashonaland Central!

By President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the Sunday Mail

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