BUSINESS REPORTER
Zimbabwe turned 42 years today with the main celebrations being held in Bulawayo amid calls by political parties for the government to ensure that freedom, dignity and the people’s sovereign will—the anchors of the liberation struggle—are in existence.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa will lead the main celebrations at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, the first time such an event has been held outside Harare since 1980.
The main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) will deploy representatives at celebrations countrywide as “national events and state institutions are greater than any political party or sectarian interests”.
In a statement, the CCC paid tribute to the sacrifices made by “our forbearers who fought on our behalf in the liberation struggle”.
“We acknowledge that, although we attained our independence in 1980, we are yet to be fully free and fully independent. This entails the holding of free and fair elections and the upholding of fundamental rights of citizens,” the party said.
The United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) said it was not yet uhuru as nothing has changed for the majority of the citizens.
UZA said Zimbabweans are still subjected to political intolerance and “politically motivated brutalities”.
“Our message this Independence Day is that it is only through us, the people of Zimbabwe, that our country will be transformed. This Independence Day, let us all reflect on the primary purpose of the liberation struggle,” UZA said.
