Zimbabwe @ 37: We are 'masters of our own destiny' – Robert Mugabe

Zimbabwe marks their 37 years of independence on 18 April every year, Thousands of Zimbabweans fill up the National Sports Stadium in
the capital Harare for this year's celebrations. 

The Southern African country gained their independence from Britain in 1980, after an intense war for liberation.

 Mugabe said during his speech that; Zimbabweans are currently masters of their own destiny 37 years after gaining independence from the British.

The 93-year old President was speaking at the National Stadium in Harare where the country hosted its 37th independence anniversary.

President Mugabe said; “My fellow Zimbabweans, now that we're enjoying the fruits of our independence and we can confidently call ourselves the masters of our own destiny,” Mugabe, however, cautioned that ‘‘We, however, need to bear in mind that our task is not yet over.’‘

Despite all the political instability, economic turmoil and massive protests against the Mugabe administration, many Zimbabweans are celebrating the independence they gained thirty-seven years ago. 

The President lighted the Independence flame before inspecting a guard of honour paraded by the security forces. Mugabe addressed the nation on a wide range of issues during his speech, he touched on government's plans over the last 3 decades to ease the plight of nationals.

He, therefore, mourned recent natural disasters that resulted in the loss of lives and properties, promising that the state will undertake drastic measures to improve social amenities by constructing educational and health facilities Nationwide especially focussing on the less-privileged communities.

Mugabe lauded some significant gains made in the energy sector and assured small-scale businesses of increased government support. 

‘‘We also need to continue as true patriots and citizens of this great nation to create a conducive environment for all regardless of tribal and political affiliation,’‘ The president said.

The event was well represented by security chiefs,  school children and a large section of citizens.

The opposition leaders and supporters have expressed disdain towards the 37-year celebration, calling for a memorial service rather than a celebration given the ‘hard times’ that citizens find themselves. 

The opposition leader was quoted to have said; “We commemorate and not celebrate simply because the stinking poverty around us and the extreme economic hardship and suffering of the people are not worth celebrating. Our current sad national problem does not tally with the sacrifice we made as a nation in the bloody struggle for our independence 37 years ago,” Morgan Tsvangirai said in a statement.

The spokesperson for the People’s Democratic Party, Mr. Jacob Mafume, told local the media that Zimbabweans have nothing to show after almost four decades of independence.

“We have celebrated so many years of so-called independence, yet families are desperate and have nothing to boast of for all these years of celebration. Our political independence is all but lost, as a number of laws are enacted to ensure that you can be prosecuted for your beliefs and opinions, the irony of the whole matter is that those who are taken to court are just the lucky ones, because many others are simply beaten to death or are denied food for months” The leader said.

Zimbabwe is expected to hold its next presidential and parliamentary election in July 2018 and President Mugabe at the age of 93 is still contesting for his election. Africa must really think again....