Zimbabwe attained its Independence on April 18, 1980, and this marked the end of British rule. The country got its first flag. The flag comprised of various colors that are green, yellow, red, black, white, and the Zimbabwe bird. The bird symbolizes peace, agriculture, minerals, and the bloodshed during the two Chimurenga wars, and the black majority race became the country’s flag.
Zimbabwe at the early years of Independence
During Independence, Julius Nyerere, former Tanzania’s president, informed Robert Mugabe that he had attained the ‘jewel of Africa’ therefore encouraging him to take care of it. He exactly did so. In the early years, the nation experienced an explosive boom. By 1997, it became the fastest-growing economy on the continent earning an honorary title ‘breadbasket of Africa’
Zimbabwe is the home of Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world. Everyone wanted to get their hands on this country, including the celebrities. In 1988, Michael Jackson, pop legend, visited the nation for a secret business meeting with Robert Mugabe.
Country under the rule of the late President Mugabe
With all the praises. It raises many questions on how a nation that was rendered the breadbasket for Africa turned out to be a basket case. Well, this began as a result of the Land Reform Program resulting in the violent seizure of most of the country’s 5000 white-owned farms. As a way of giving the country’s arable lands back to the black majority, this reform was successful. Most of the lands were given to Mugabe’s cronies.
While maintaining power, Mugabe continued to win elections, and monies disappeared. As opposition MDC fought for the government, production rates depleted, leading to cash crisis and hyperinflation. At its peak, the citizens moved around with 100 trillion dollars in banknotes.
In Zimbabwe, it is impossible to speak of the 40 years without mentioning Grace Mugabe. She is highly famous for her selfish and lavish spending. The late president’s wife went from a typist to a first lady to a Ph.D. graduate in 3 months. Grace Mugabe was in charge of presidential ambitions. This is what led to Mugabe’s downfall.
The country’s education has retained its ranking among the best in Africa, with a literacy rate of about 89%. The nation also boasts of 8 Olympic medals. Most of them won Olympian and current sports minister and music. The implementation of the 100% local music policy in the early 2000s led to significant advancements in the local urban awards.
Last words
As Zimbabwe celebrates 40 years of Independence, some questions remain Questions of justice. Justice for some of the activists for instance Itai Dzamara abducted in 2015 to date still remains missing . Justice for those who were raped and human rights atrocities committed in the led up to several contested elections. Above all, justice for the families of the victims of the genocidal war of the 80s. This led to over 2500 people killed especially among the Ndebele community. For Zimbabwe, the 40 years of Independence is still a journey.
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