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Harare Bureau

ANALYSTS have declared that under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, Zimbabwe is firmly on track to fulfilling the values and ethos of the liberation struggle that culminated in the attainment of independence in 1980, the 45th anniversary of which will be celebrated in Nembudziya, Gokwe.

This year’s commemorations, themed “Devolve, Develop, Together Towards Vision 2030,” will be held in Gokwe, Midlands Province, in line with the Second Republic’s policy of leaving no place and no one behind.

Political analysts interviewed yesterday stated that this year’s commemoration marks a significant milestone, as the Government consolidates the liberation struggle’s objectives of land ownership, given that the Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, has commenced issuing title deeds to landholders.

Renowned political analyst, Mr Obert Gutu, said this year’s independence is significant as it marks nearly five decades of post-colonial rule.

“On 18 April 2025, Zimbabwe marks and commemorates its 45th independence anniversary from over nine decades of racist colonial rule and subjugation. This is a very significant milestone in the history of our great nation, as we will be celebrating the achievements of nearly five decades of post-colonial rule.

“The armed liberation struggle that ultimately ushered in our hard-won independence on 18 April 1980 was fundamentally anchored on the values and principles of majority and egalitarian governance, holistic land reform to redress the colonial land ownership imbalances, non-racialism, non-tribalism, equitable socio-economic development, and respect for fundamental human rights.

“Largely, we are on course to fulfilling the values of the liberation struggle, although we still need to put more effort into clamping down on rampant corruption and ensuring equitable distribution of wealth and resources,” said Mr Gutu.
He said the theme of the celebrations reflects the Government’s vision and direction.

“The theme of ‘Devolve, Develop, Together Towards Vision 2030’ mirrors the Government’s trajectory of building an upper middle-income economy by the year 2030.

Mr Obert Gutu

This is indeed a sacrosanct goal that should galvanise all our efforts as a nation towards eradicating poverty, creating a stable economy, and investing in infrastructural development to ensure that all the country’s 10 provinces are adequately and sustainably developed,” he said.

Another political analyst, Mr Tongai Dana, said the commemorations are taking place at a time when the Government has made significant strides in various areas, including education, health, and agriculture.

“The commemorations provide an opportunity to honour our national heroes and evaluate how far we have progressed in realising the ideals of the liberation struggle. The Government’s investment in mass education led to Zimbabwe achieving one of the highest literacy rates in Africa, a crucial step towards national development. The land reform programme, despite its challenges, remains one of the most transformative policies in post-colonial Africa, as it sought to correct historical injustices in land ownership.

“The Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, has focused on economic stability, infrastructure development, and international re-engagement. The thrust towards industrialisation, food security through agricultural mechanisation, and major infrastructure projects, such as the Beitbridge Border Post modernisation and road rehabilitation programmes, signal a commitment to national development,” he said.

Another analyst, Mr Godwine Mureriwa, weighed in, saying the celebrations will solidify national peace and unity as envisaged by Vision 2030.

“The 45th Independence commemorations should solidify national peace, unity, and the collective aspirations of Zimbabweans as envisioned by Vision 2030. The politics of hate, divisions, and persecution should be shunned. Our globally cherished education and hard work ethic should spur economic growth in all sectors.

“This is the time to benefit from the fast-emerging multi-polar world through adding value to our vast minerals through partnerships with local and international investors. Livelihoods should improve tremendously to vindicate efforts towards the 2030 Vision,” he said.

President Mnangagwa has rolled out cross-cutting development projects across the country, steering it towards the attainment of Vision 2030, to become an upper middle-class society. To take national events to all parts of the country, President Mnangagwa introduced rotational Uhuru Day celebrations, so that every Zimbabwean enjoys the festivities associated with the day, in a true reflection of devolution of power to communities.